IRVINE, Calif. – The 2026 men's volleyball campaign will feature 11 home matches before UC Irvine hosts the Big West Championship in April 23-25 at the Bren Events Center.
The Anteaters open the season Jan. 8-10 with three non-conference opponents: Harvard, Kentucky State and Maryville at the UC Santa Barbara Invitational held in Robertson Gym.
"I appreciate that UCSB has kept this tournament going, even with fewer teams. It's a great opportunity for us to get road time with the team and play non-conference matches with limited travel," head coach David Kniffin said.
UCI opens its home schedule with always strong EIVA opponent Princeton on Jan. 14.
The team will spend the next three matches on the road, playing at Pepperdine (Jan. 16) before a pair of matches at BYU (Jan. 23-24).
"Shawn (Olmstead) and I have maintained our home and away series since he was named head coach. I think our two programs bring out the best in each other. And matches at both venues have historically drawn good crowds. Provo, in the Smith Fieldhouse, is just a great place to play. Family friendly and always great production value from their broadcasting team," Kniffin added.
The Anteaters will entertain Stanford twice at the Bren Center on Jan. 30 and 31.
"Coach (John) Kosty has put together a nice team. Due to academic schedules, the last several encounters have been up north. I appreciate that he is coming down to play us twice. And I intend for us to create a good environment in The Bren for him."
Short trips to Orange County neighboring institutions Vanguard (Feb. 4) and Concordia (Feb. 6) proceed with a showdown with USC at home on Feb. 11 and then at the Galen Center on Feb. 13.
UCI will host UCLA in the lone match of the season on Feb. 27 on Court 21 -- a night that wil be dedicated to the memory and legacy of Tim Vorenkamp.
"It's always good to bring in the iconic opponents," Kniffin noted. "The students and the Orange County community love it. It will be fun to get UCLA in on a Friday night and we always get good student turnout for the USC match."
Big West Conference play begins with UC Santa Barbara at the Bren Events Center on Wednesday, Mar. 11. Big West opponents continue to be faced in back-to-back fashion with the Anteaters taking on UC San Diego (Mar. 27-28) before Hawaii comes to town on Apr. 3 and 4.
Home and away with CSUN (Apr. 9 & 11) and Long Beach State (Apr. 17-18) round out the regular season.
The Hawaiian Islands presents the 2026 Outrigger Big West Men's Volleyball Championship will be hosted by UC Irvine on Apr. 23-25 at the Bren Events Center.
"UC Irvine puts on a great tournament, Kniffin ended. "It will be great event for the spectators and the players. It is a great tournament environment. We will be playing the matches on Court 21 and that's an amazing opportunity for our team and everyone involved."
