NEW YORK | After capturing its fourth consecutive Skyline Conference Championship last spring, St. Joseph’s-Long Island has been tabbed as the favorite to repeat in 2026, earning the top position in the Skyline Conference Men’s Volleyball Preseason Coaches’ Poll. The Golden Eagles collected 48 points from the league’s head coaches, who were not permitted to vote for their own teams.

Manhattanville University, which surged during the second half of last year and reached the Skyline semifinals, was selected second with 43 points, while Purchase placed third with 36 points following a top-four finish in 2025. Sarah Lawrence landed fourth with 28 points, followed by St. Joseph’s-Brooklyn (25 points), Mount Saint Vincent (21), Old Westbury (16), and Yeshiva (7).

The 2026 season brings a reshaped Skyline landscape following the departure of New Jersey City University and Ramapo College from the conference after the 2025 season. Their exit leaves an eight-team field poised for a competitive pursuit of the 2026 crown.

The 2026 Skyline Conference Men’s Volleyball Championship will take place Wednesday-Saturday, April 8-11, with the tournament champion earning the league’s automatic berth to the NCAA Division III Men’s Volleyball Championship.

2026 Men’s Volleyball Preseason Poll
Rank, School, Pts., (First-Place Votes)
1. St. Joseph’s - Long Island, 48 (6)
2. Manhattanville, 43 (2)
3. Purchase, 36
4. Sarah Lawrence, 28
5. St. Joseph's-Brooklyn, 25
6. Mount St. Vincent, 21
7. Old Westbury, 16
8. Yeshiva, 7