Penn State Men’s Volleyball Faces Challenges in AVCA Poll, Prepares for Ohio State

Penn State men’s volleyball has dropped to No. 16 in the latest AVCA poll, released on Monday, March 17, 2026. This shift follows a challenging road trip to California where the Nittany Lions faced three highly ranked opponents.

Recent Performance and Rankings

The Nittany Lions experienced three consecutive losses against formidable opponents in California: No. 5 USC, No. 2 Long Beach State, and No. 6 Pepperdine. Despite the unfavorable outcomes, all three defeats came against teams currently ranked within the top 10 nationally, highlighting the strength of the competition.

Upcoming Matchup

Penn State will aim to rebound as they face No. 18 Ohio State on Wednesday, March 25, at 6 p.m. At the Fitzgerald Field House in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Recent Results

• October 12, 2024: Penn State defeated USC 33-30 in overtime. ESPN
• February 8, 2026: USC defeated Penn State 77-75 in men’s basketball, with Alijah Arenas hitting a game-winning shot. ClutchPoints, Tournaments.com
• March 14, 2026: USC Women’s Tennis swept Penn State 4-0. USC Athletics