The 2026 NCAA men's volleyball tournament is here, and it's shaping up to be the most exciting edition yet. With the bracket expanding from nine to 12 teams—featuring seven automatic qualifiers and five at-large bids—more schools than ever have a shot at glory. But if history is any guide, the championship will likely run through a familiar trio.

Since 2018, every NCAA title has been won by one of this year's top three seeds: No. 1 UCLA, No. 2 Hawaii, or No. 3 Long Beach State. In fact, the only final in that stretch that didn't feature two of these powerhouses was 2021, when Hawaii defeated BYU. The last two years, Long Beach State and UCLA have faced off in the championship match, splitting the titles. Will they make it three straight finals, or can Hawaii—or a dark horse—break the cycle?

The tournament kicks off with four seeded teams hosting regional action over opening weekend. First-round winners will advance to face the top seeds in their respective regions. Here's a look at the marquee matchups to watch:

No. 4 Ball State vs. Pepperdine/Fort Valley State
No. 3 Long Beach State vs. Loyola Chicago/Saint Francis

All eyes will be on Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles, where the semifinals and final will be held. Every match can be streamed live on the ESPN app, and the championship game will also air on ESPN2—perfect for fans who want to catch every spike, block, and rally.

For volleyball enthusiasts and sports apparel lovers alike, this tournament is a showcase of elite athleticism and style. Whether you're cheering for the defending champs or rooting for an underdog, make sure you're geared up and ready to watch history unfold.