Get ready to spike some excitement into your day because the University of Hawai'i men's volleyball team is gearing up for another thrilling season! But here's where it gets controversial: despite their consistent dominance, they've been ranked No. 2 in the AVCA preseason poll, just shy of the top spot held by UCLA. Is this a fair assessment, or are the Rainbow Warriors being overlooked? Let’s dive into the details.
For the eighth consecutive year, the University of Hawai'i men's volleyball team has secured a top 3 preseason ranking, this time landing at No. 2. The Rainbow Warriors earned seven first-place votes and a total of 473 points, trailing preseason favorite UCLA by a mere eight points. UCLA snagged 12 first-place votes, while Long Beach State rounded out the top three with five first-place votes and 460 points. This tight competition sets the stage for an electrifying season.
And this is the part most people miss: UH’s schedule is no walk in the park. They’ll face seven teams ranked in the preseason Top 10 and 11 teams in the Top 20. Talk about a gauntlet! But if anyone can handle it, it’s the Warriors, who finished last season with a No. 3 final AVCA ranking after reaching the NCAA Championship semifinal round. This marked their eighth consecutive year in the Top 5 nationally—a testament to their consistency and resilience.
The 2025 season was a standout year for the Warriors, who finished with a 27-6 record and clinched their fourth Big West Championship title. What’s even more impressive? They defeated the eventual national champion, Long Beach State, in the championship match. Here’s a bold interpretation: Could this mean the Warriors were the true powerhouse of the season, despite not taking home the national title? We’ll let you decide.
Leading the charge is head coach Charlie Wade, who became the program’s all-time winningest coach last season. Entering his 17th season at the helm, Coach Wade boasts a career record of 319-131. His leadership and strategic vision have been instrumental in the team’s sustained success. Will this be the year he leads them back to the top?
The Warriors kick off the 2026 season with a two-match series against NJIT on Friday, January 2, and Sunday, January 4. Mark your calendars, because this is a team you won’t want to miss. But here’s the question we’re all thinking: Can they climb from No. 2 to No. 1 by season’s end? Share your thoughts in the comments—we want to hear your predictions and opinions!
