The New Era: 7 LBSU Men's Volleyball Roster Stars You Must Know For The 2026 Season
The Long Beach State (LBSU) Men’s Volleyball program is officially entering a new era, and the 2026 roster is stacked with generational talent ready to chase another NCAA Championship title. As of late December 2025, the biggest news surrounding the Beach is the monumental coaching transition, but the spotlight remains firmly on a core group of returning players, led by an international superstar who took college volleyball by storm.
This article dives deep into the LBSU Men's Volleyball roster for the upcoming 2026 campaign, highlighting the key athletes, the historic coaching change, and the fresh dynamics that position Long Beach State as the Big West favorite once again. The team is coming off a phenomenal 2025 season where they were the national runner-up, and the expectations for the new year are sky-high, especially with a new leader at the helm of the storied program.
The New Regime and The Star-Studded LBSU Men's Volleyball Roster 2026
The transition from a legendary coach to a new regime is the defining storyline for the 2026 season. After 22 years, Head Coach Alan Knipe—who led the team to three NCAA titles—officially retired at the end of the 2025 season. Stepping into those massive shoes is Nick MacRae, a longtime associate head coach who was elevated to the Head Coach position in December 2025, signaling a commitment to continuity and the program's winning culture.
The 2026 LBSU Men's Volleyball roster is a blend of experienced seniors, decorated juniors, and world-class international talent. Here is a detailed look at the core players and key entities driving the Beach’s national championship aspirations.
Key Player Profiles: The Core of The Beach
- Moni Nikolov | Setter (Fr.)
- Hometown: Sofia, Bulgaria
- Height: 6'10"
- 2025 Accolades: Nikolov is the most celebrated newcomer in program history. In his freshman 2025 season, he was named the AVCA National Collegiate Player of the Year, the AVCA Newcomer of the Year, and a First Team AVCA All-American. He led the Beach offense and is a cornerstone of the program’s future.
- Skyler Varga | Opposite Hitter (R-Jr./Sr.)
- Hometown: Muenster, Saskatchewan, Canada
- Height: 6'7"
- Role: A powerful right-side presence, Varga was an instrumental force in the 2025 campaign, earning a spot on the 2025 All-Big West Team. His offensive versatility is crucial for balancing the attack.
- Sotiris Siapanis | Outside Hitter (Jr.)
- Hometown: Limassol, Cyprus
- Role: A true six-rotation outside hitter, Siapanis finished the 2025 season ranked in the Big West's Top 10 in multiple statistical categories, including aces per set and digs per set. His all-around game and leadership are vital.
- Ben Braun | Middle Blocker (Jr.)
- Hometown: Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif.
- Height: 6'11"
- Role: At nearly seven feet tall, Braun is a dominant presence at the net, providing a massive block and a high-efficiency kill option. He is expected to anchor the middle for the 2026 season.
- Sebastian Rodriguez | Outside Hitter (R-Sr.)
- Hometown: Hermosa Beach, Calif.
- Role: A veteran presence and local talent, Rodriguez provides depth and experience on the outside. He is a reliable option for Head Coach Nick MacRae in high-pressure situations.
- Sebastiano Sani | Outside Hitter (So.)
- Role: Sani is an emerging talent who showed flashes of brilliance in his freshman year, averaging 1.10 kills per set. As a sophomore, he will be a key component of the Outside Hitter rotation.
The Long Beach State Coaching Transition: Knipe to MacRae
The biggest offseason news was the announcement of Alan Knipe's retirement, effective December 31, 2025. Knipe, a Long Beach State alumnus who won a national championship as a player (1991) and three more as a coach (2018, 2019, 2025), leaves behind an unmatched legacy.
The immediate elevation of Nick MacRae to Head Coach ensures stability. MacRae has been with the program for over a decade, serving as Knipe's right-hand man and Associate Head Coach. His deep understanding of the LBSU system, coupled with his reputation as a top recruiter and strategist, makes him the ideal successor. This transition is seen not as a rebuild, but as a continuation of the program’s elite status, maintaining the competitive edge that has defined the Beach for years. The team's home matches will continue to be played in the iconic Walter Pyramid, a nationally recognized icon for the university.
Why LBSU Dominates the Big West Conference Outlook
Long Beach State’s consistent excellence places them at the top of the Big West Conference discussion every year. The 2026 season is no exception, as the Beach were voted atop the Big West Men's Volleyball Preseason Coaches' Poll for the second consecutive season. This is a testament to the depth and talent across the entire roster, from the starting six to the key reserves.
The Big West is arguably the most competitive conference in the nation, with all six teams typically ranked in the AVCA/NVA National Coaches' Poll Top 20. LBSU's primary rivals—including Hawai'i, UC Irvine, and UC Santa Barbara—will provide fierce competition in the quest for the Big West Championship title.
The Depth Chart: A Roster Built for the NCAA Tournament
The strength of the LBSU roster lies in its depth, which is crucial for navigating the demanding NCAA Division I & II men's volleyball schedule. The team has multiple high-caliber players at every position, allowing MacRae to manage player fatigue and match up against various opponents.
- Setters (S): Led by Moni Nikolov, the setting corps is elite.
- Outside Hitters (OH): Siapanis, Rodriguez, and Sani form a formidable and experienced rotation.
- Opposite Hitters (OPP): Skyler Varga provides the primary right-side firepower.
- Middle Blockers (MB): Ben Braun is joined by other strong middles like Isaiah Preuitt, giving the Beach a towering net defense.
- Liberos (L): The anchor of the defense, the libero position is often the unsung hero, providing the passing stability and floor defense needed for a high-powered offense.
The 2026 season for Long Beach State Men's Volleyball is poised to be one of the most intriguing in recent memory. With the stability of a familiar system under new Head Coach Nick MacRae and the phenomenal talent of players like Moni Nikolov and Skyler Varga, the Beach are not just looking to compete—they are aiming to hoist the national championship trophy once again at the NCAA Championship. The combination of a world-class roster, a winning tradition, and a hunger for another title makes LBSU a must-watch team in the Big West and on the national stage.
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