No. 6 Pepperdine Men's Volleyball Opens Conference Play

Waves look to build on strong start as they face Vanguard in historic first matchup

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The No. 6 Pepperdine Waves (5-2) begin Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF) play tonight against the Vanguard Lions, marking the first-ever matchup between the two teams. This contest at Firestone Fieldhouse is a stepping stone in what promises to be a landmark season for Pepperdine men's volleyball, as the team looks to build on its recent success and championship aspirations.

Why it matters

Pepperdine is projected to finish second in the MPSF this season, just behind UCLA, and is coming off a decisive sweep of No. 16 CSUN. The Waves boast a roster filled with All-Americans and players who have gained valuable experience with national teams, making them a strong contender for the MPSF title and a deep NCAA tournament run in what will be the program's final season at Firestone Fieldhouse.

The details

The Waves are led by All-Americans Ryan Barnett, James Eadie, Cole Hartke, and Jacob Reilly. Hartke currently leads the nation in points per set with 6.2/set. Redshirt freshman Grant Lamoureux, named Junior Male Indoor Athlete of the Year, and transfer Ford Harman, a silver medalist at the 2025 Men's Beach Collegiate Challenge, add further depth to the team. Pepperdine's squad features players from Cuba, Serbia, and Switzerland, bringing a diverse range of experience and perspectives.

  • The Waves begin MPSF play tonight (February 10, 2026).
  • Next season, the Pepperdine program will move to the new Mountain at Mullin Park, a state-of-the-art 3,600-seat arena.

The players

Pepperdine Waves

The men's volleyball team at Pepperdine University, a Division I program that competes in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF).

Cole Hartke

An All-American player for the Pepperdine Waves who currently leads the nation in points per set.

Ryan Barnett

An All-American player for the Pepperdine Waves who competed in the Pan American Cup this summer.

James Eadie

An All-American player for the Pepperdine Waves.

Jacob Reilly

An All-American player for the Pepperdine Waves who competed in the Pan American Cup this summer.

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The takeaway

Pepperdine men's volleyball is poised for a historic season, with a roster filled with All-American talent and players who have gained valuable experience on the national stage. As the program prepares to move to a new state-of-the-art facility next year, this season represents a significant milestone in the Waves' quest for an MPSF title and a deep NCAA tournament run.