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Deseret Today
By the People, for the People
BYU upsets No. 4 USC in four sets for biggest win of season
No. 10 BYU snaps four-match losing streak to the Trojans with set scores of 25-23, 20-25, 30-28, 25-18.
Apr. 11, 2026 at 5:38am
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BYU's upset victory over USC showcases the raw energy and competitive spirit of collegiate men's volleyball.Deseret TodayNo. 10 BYU earned its first top five win in two years Friday night at the Smith Fieldhouse, taking down No. 4 USC in four sets in arguably the Cougars' best performance of the season. BYU snapped a four-match losing streak to the Trojans, showing great composure and getting strong play at the net to pull off the upset.
Why it matters
This win is a major breakthrough for BYU, which had come up short in multiple upset bids against top teams earlier this season. Defeating a top-five opponent like USC gives the Cougars a signature win and boosts their NCAA tournament resume.
The details
BYU took the first set 25-23 before USC evened the match by winning the second set 25-20. The Cougars then edged the third set 30-28 and cruised to a 25-18 victory in the fourth set to clinch the upset. BYU's front row play and timely service aces were key factors in the win.
- The match was played on Friday, April 10, 2026.
- BYU and USC will face off again on Saturday, April 11, 2026 for the Cougars' senior night.
The players
Shawn Olmstead
The head coach of the BYU men's volleyball team.
Trent Moser
A senior outside hitter for BYU.
Trevor Herget
A freshman outside hitter for BYU who had a key service ace in the third set.
Sterling Foley
A sophomore outside hitter for USC who had a pair of service aces to help the Trojans in the second set.
Caleb Blanchette
A player for USC.
What they’re saying
“I'm unbelievably proud of the guys. There (were) a lot of things that we can take from (tonight) and hopefully continue to build on.”
— Shawn Olmstead, BYU Head Coach
“We lost to Irvine at the beginning of the year, we lost to Pepperdine a few weeks ago. (Those were) two top five teams at the time, and so it's nice to finally get up on one of them.”
— Trent Moser, BYU Senior Outside Hitter
What’s next
BYU and USC will face off again on Saturday, April 11, 2026 for the Cougars' senior night. The match is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. MT.
The takeaway
This upset win over a top-five opponent is a major confidence boost for BYU, which had struggled to close out matches against elite teams earlier this season. The Cougars' strong net play and composure down the stretch proved to be the difference in this matchup, setting them up well for the rematch and the postseason.
