Earlier this year, the AVCA created a first-ever Watch List for its National Collegiate Men’s Player of the Year Award. There were 15 players from 11 different schools on this inaugural list, including seven seniors, five juniors, two sophomores, and one freshman.

The second step in the process is revealing the eight Semifinalists, which were announced April 8. That group includes six hitters and two setters, and UCLA leads the way with three players on the list. Ball State, Hawai‘i, Long Beach State, Pepperdine, and USC each have one Semifinalist.

The AVCA will name the four Finalists will be named shortly before the 2026 National Collegiate Men’s Volleyball Championship with the announcement of the Player of the Year taking place Friday, May 8, in Los Angeles at an awards banquet during the Championship.

The AVCA National Collegiate Men’s Volleyball Awards Committee is responsible for all phases of the Player of the Year process.

Player of the Year Semifinalists (released April 8)

Player of the Year Watch List (released Feb. 4)