Atop the MPSF is defending MPSF and NCAA Champion UCLA, collecting the maximum possible totals of 36 points and six first-place votes. Stanford is second with 29 points and one first-place vote. The Cougars are tied for third with Grand Canyon at 23 points, followed by USC in fifth (17 points), Pepperdine in sixth (13) and Concordia-Irvine in seventh (6).

Last year, BYU finished second in the MPSF with an 8-4 record, 19-7 overall. The Cougars dropped a 3-2 decision to Stanford in the MPSF semifinals.

BYU last reached the NCAA Tournament in 2021, advancing to the finals before losing in a sweep to Hawaii.

The Cougars return middle blockers Teon Taylor (135 total blocks, 14 solo blocks) and All-MPSF Gavin Julien (78 total blocks, .433 hitting percentage), along with All-American outside hitter Miks Ramanis (313 kills on a .308 clip) from their second place regular season finish team last year.

Shawn Olmstead and his coaching staff are replacing starting setter Heath Hughes, who was a one-year transfer from Grand Canyon, and starting libero Mitchel Worthington. Junior Noa Haine, who subbed at setter when Hughes missed eight games due to injury, returns and will compete with 6-9 freshman Kyle Saurer, Penn State transfer Tyler Herget and sophomore Cooper Jarman.

Prospects to fill the open libero spot include senior Jon Stanley, sophomore Jackson Fife and sophomore Bernardo Adam.

The Cougars open the 2024 season Jan. 5-6 with two matches against Ball State in the Smith Fieldhouse.

2024 Mountain Pacific Sports Federation Pre-Season Poll

Rank Team Points (first-place votes)

1. UCLA 36 (6)

2. Stanford 29 (1)

3. BYU 23

Grand Canyon 23

5. USC 17

6. Pepperdine 13

7. Concordia-Irvine 6