Ball State University Athletics
Photo by: Brayden Goins / Ball State Athletics
Rogers, Machado Represent Cardinals on Preseason All-MIVA Team
December 15, 2025 | Men's Volleyball
MUNCIE, Ind. – As anticipation builds for the upcoming season, The Midwestern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association announced the results for the 2026 Preseason All-MIVA Team and MIVA Preseason Poll Monday afternoon.
Representing Ball State as 2026 Preseason All-MIVA selections are Patrick Rogers and Lucas Machado. Standing atop the conference voting after an impactful offseason is Rogers, who was named as the MIVA Preseason Player of the Year.
Under the direction of a new coaching staff, led by interim head coach Mike Iandolo, and the addition of seven valuable newcomers, the Cardinals are predicted to finish No. 3 in the league, narrowly behind Ohio State (2nd) and Loyola Chicago (1st).
In his second year with the Cardinals, Rogers was credited with a team-leading 363 kills, averaging 3.18 per set along with a .271 hitting clip. Rogers also compiled 65 total blocks and led the squad in service aces with 33. At the end of the 2025 season, Rogers was named All-MIVA first team and received an American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) All-American Honorable Mention. Rogers spent his offseason with the US National Team, winning gold at the 2025 NORCECA Final Six and being recognized with the tournament's Most Valuable Player Award. Rogers also secured silver with the Men's U23 National Team at the 2025 NORCECA Men's U23 Pan American Cup.
Making 20 starts in 26 matches played last year, Machado tallied a team-leading 771 assists, averaging 8.38 per set. He recorded a career-high assist total of 54 against Purdue Fort Wayne (Feb. 26) and captured 40 or more assists on seven occasions. Machado also completed 117 digs, 49 total blocks and 22 service aces. During the offseason, Machado was selected to the 2025 Brazilian U26 National Team.
The Ball State men's volleyball team opens its 2026 season inside Worthen Arena, hosting Trine Jan. 3 with action set to begin at 5 p.m.
The Cardinals begin conference action with back-to-back contests versus Queens (Feb. 5 and 6) at home.
2026 Preseason Poll
1. Loyola Chicago - 73 (5)
2. Ohio State - 68 (2)
3. Ball State - 63 (1)
4. Lewis - 57 (1)
5. McKendree - 52
6. Lindenwood - 33
7. Purdue Fort Wayne - 24
8. Northern Kentucky - 19
9. Queens – 16
2026 Preseason All-MIVA Team
Lucas Machado - Ball State
*Patrick Rogers - Ball State
Oguzhan Oguz - Lewis
Nico Paula - Lewis
Ryan McElligott - Loyola Chicago
Daniel Fabikovic - Loyola Chicago
Aleksander Sosa - Loyola Chicago
Yadiel Diaz - McKendree
Nate Flayter - McKendree
Stanislaw Chacinski - Ohio State
Shane Wetzel - Ohio State
Logan Muir - Purdue Fort Wayne
*Preseason Player of the Year
Representing Ball State as 2026 Preseason All-MIVA selections are Patrick Rogers and Lucas Machado. Standing atop the conference voting after an impactful offseason is Rogers, who was named as the MIVA Preseason Player of the Year.
Under the direction of a new coaching staff, led by interim head coach Mike Iandolo, and the addition of seven valuable newcomers, the Cardinals are predicted to finish No. 3 in the league, narrowly behind Ohio State (2nd) and Loyola Chicago (1st).
In his second year with the Cardinals, Rogers was credited with a team-leading 363 kills, averaging 3.18 per set along with a .271 hitting clip. Rogers also compiled 65 total blocks and led the squad in service aces with 33. At the end of the 2025 season, Rogers was named All-MIVA first team and received an American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) All-American Honorable Mention. Rogers spent his offseason with the US National Team, winning gold at the 2025 NORCECA Final Six and being recognized with the tournament's Most Valuable Player Award. Rogers also secured silver with the Men's U23 National Team at the 2025 NORCECA Men's U23 Pan American Cup.
Making 20 starts in 26 matches played last year, Machado tallied a team-leading 771 assists, averaging 8.38 per set. He recorded a career-high assist total of 54 against Purdue Fort Wayne (Feb. 26) and captured 40 or more assists on seven occasions. Machado also completed 117 digs, 49 total blocks and 22 service aces. During the offseason, Machado was selected to the 2025 Brazilian U26 National Team.
The Ball State men's volleyball team opens its 2026 season inside Worthen Arena, hosting Trine Jan. 3 with action set to begin at 5 p.m.
The Cardinals begin conference action with back-to-back contests versus Queens (Feb. 5 and 6) at home.
2026 Preseason Poll
1. Loyola Chicago - 73 (5)
2. Ohio State - 68 (2)
3. Ball State - 63 (1)
4. Lewis - 57 (1)
5. McKendree - 52
6. Lindenwood - 33
7. Purdue Fort Wayne - 24
8. Northern Kentucky - 19
9. Queens – 16
2026 Preseason All-MIVA Team
Lucas Machado - Ball State
*Patrick Rogers - Ball State
Oguzhan Oguz - Lewis
Nico Paula - Lewis
Ryan McElligott - Loyola Chicago
Daniel Fabikovic - Loyola Chicago
Aleksander Sosa - Loyola Chicago
Yadiel Diaz - McKendree
Nate Flayter - McKendree
Stanislaw Chacinski - Ohio State
Shane Wetzel - Ohio State
Logan Muir - Purdue Fort Wayne
*Preseason Player of the Year
Players Mentioned
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