PROVO, Utah — The BYU men's volleyball team is primed to start up the 2026 season with two home matches this weekend against Saint Francis in the historic Smith Fieldhouse.
About the Cougars
The Cougars finished the 2025 season ranked No. 8 nationally in the AVCA poll and will open the 2026 season also ranked No. 8 in the same poll. BYU has spent 46 consecutive weeks ranked in the AVCA coaches poll.
Under head coach Shawn Olmstead, now entering his 10th season, the Cougars earned ranked wins last season over Ohio State, Ball State, UCSB, Stanford and Pepperdine. BYU home matches drew an average of 3,994 fans per game, the second-highest attendance in the nation.
The Cougars lose five seniors from last year’s roster, all key contributors, along with standout freshman Niko Hales, who will spend this year and next year serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Barcelona, Spain.
Returning BYU players this season include senior libero Jackson Fife, who led the team in digs last season, and junior opposite/outside hitter Teilon-Jonathan Tafuga, who ranked third in kills. Several returners and newcomers are expected to make an impact, including senior Trent Moser, who returns to Provo after transferring to Grand Canyon for his junior season following two years with BYU.
About the Red Flash
The Saint Francis Red Flash are ranked No. 1 in the Northeast Conference entering the season. They fell in the conference championship match to end last season, with a record of 14-14.
Brady Stump returns as one of the team's top leaders in kills (266), digs (99), blocks (40), and aces (25). During the 2025 campaign, the All-NEC first team outside hitter was seventh in kills per set, eighth in points per set, and 10th in hitting percentage in the NEC.
Eight SFU freshmen are looking to make their collegiate debuts this weekend.
The Red Flash are coached by Mke Rumbaugh who is entering his 28th season as the SFU head coach.
All-Time Series
These two teams have met twice previously, with BYU winning both matches. The first meeting took place in 2010, with the Cougars winning 3-1. The second matchup was in 2019, with the Cougars winning 3-0.
Broadcast Info
Both matches this weekend will be available to stream on BYUtv.org/the BYUtv app and also on Big Ten Plus. Friday's match can be viewed live on either platform. Saturday's match will only be available live on Big Ten Plus. It will be available to watch on-demand via BYUtv after 10 p.m.