The Midwestern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association has announced the 2026 preseason poll this morning with Lindenwood coming in at number six with 33 votes. The Lions were picked to finish ahead of Purdue Fort Wayne (24 votes), Northern Kentucky (19 votes), and Queens (16 votes). 

Loyola Chicago was picked to win the conference as they received 73 votes (five first place votes) and right behind them is Ohio State with 68 votes (two first place votes). Rounding out the top five was Ball State (63 votes), Lewis (57 votes), and McKendree (52 votes). There were 12 players named to the 2026 Preseason All-MIVA Team with Patrick Rogers from Ball State being named the 2026 Preseason MIVA Player of the Year.

Lindenwood opens the season on January 9th at Long Beach State at 9 p.m. CT and MIVA play will start on February 4 at 7 p.m. in Hyland Arena against Loyola Chicago. 


2026 Preseason Poll
1. Loyola Chicago - 73 (5)
2. Ohio State - 68 (2)
3. Ball State - 63 (1)
4. Lewis - 57 (1)
5. McKendree - 52
6. Lindenwood - 33
7. Purdue Fort Wayne - 24
8. Northern Kentucky - 19
9. Queens - 16

2026 Preseason All-MIVA Team (alphabetical by team)
Lucas Machado - Ball State
*Patrick Rogers - Ball State
Oguzhan Oguz - Lewis
Nico Paula - Lewis
Ryan McElligott - Loyola Chicago
Daniel Fabikovic - Loyola Chicago
Aleksander Sosa - Loyola Chicago
Yadiel Diaz - McKendree
Nate Flayter - McKendree
Stanislaw Chacinski - Ohio State
Shane Wetzel - Ohio State
Logan Muir - Purdue Fort Wayne

*Preseason Player of the Year