FOREST, Va. -- The University of Lynchburg was selected fifth in the ODAC preseason poll for the 2026 campaign, as announced by the league office on Friday afternoon, Jan. 9.

Randolph-Macon earned all possible first-place votes to claim the top spot in the preseason poll. The reigning conference champions were followed by Roanoke, which finished nine points behind first place with 53 total points. Randolph College and Eastern Mennonite rounded out the top four with 42 and 38 points, respectively.

Lynchburg sits in the middle of the poll with 38 points, four behind Eastern Mennonite and three ahead of Virginia Wesleyan in sixth. Shenandoah, Bridgewater, and Averett complete the preseason rankings with 21, 15, and 10 points, respectively. Shenandoah and Bridgewater will each compete in their inaugural men's volleyball season as the conference continues to expand.

The Hornets enter their second season of competition under first-year head coach Joshua Knapp. Lynchburg looks to build on a 9-15 (2-10 ODAC) record from a year ago. Knapp and his staff return 13 student-athletes, along with the addition of one freshman and two transfers.

The returning group is highlighted by two All-ODAC performers, opposite Nick Redding and middle Bryce Jackson. Redding earned ODAC Rookie of the Year honors and was named to the All-ODAC Second Team, while Jackson secured a spot on the All-ODAC Third Team.
 

MEN'S VOLLEYBALL PRESEASON POLL

1. Randolph-Macon College (8)    64 pts.

2. Roanoke College (1)    53 pts.

3. Randolph College    46 pts.

4. Eastern Mennonite University    42 pts.

5. University of Lynchburg    38 pts.

6. Virginia Wesleyan University    35 pts.

7. Shenandoah University    21 pts.

8. Bridgewater College    15 pts.

       9. Averett University    10 pts.
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