Long Beach State Athletics!: Lucas Helle

Lucas Helle is one of or the best setters in the 2026 class and committed to the Niners. Reputed to be able to start as a freshman. If Knipe could land a grad transfer setter who is clearly better than Doty, that could fill the gap next season. I don't know if anyone in the transfer portal (or not) fits that description.

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I still question whether the roster limits will be a settled issue next year.

the setter position is the most intriguing

the MB add from GCU - really like to have the depth

lose Sani , if rumors true, which loses quality depth for OH. still looks deep, especially assuming Varga, Herschy, Kandev for certain return

big question is back-up and competition for Opp

and then of course is Knipe even entertaining having an interested setter Transfer come in, or will he go with the 3 and let them fight it out. got to believe there might be a potential xfer out there intereted given all the talent around. just not sure how much Knipe would even want a transfer vs. giving those guys he recruited their chance to win the job.

have never really got to see Peluso set.

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I included all players with remaining eligibility from the 24-25 roster(17), plus 3 freshman, and 1 transfer. Unless the Niners are opting out, we have 3 more players than the maximum 18 that the NCAA will allow next season. Out of the 17 returning players, perhaps 3 of them are looking already looking for new homes.

Setters
Doty, Island, Sr (returnee)
Peluso, Ryan, Jr. (returnee)
Pazanti, Jake, So. (returnee)

Liberos
Larson, Kellen, So. (returning starter)
Connelly, Chris, Jr. (returnee)
Harman, Ford, So. (returnee)

Outside Hitter/Opposite
Varga, Skyler, Sr. (returning starter)
Hershtynovich, Daniil, Jr. (returning starter)
Kandev, Alex, So. (returning starter)
Bloom, Connor, Sr. (returnee)
Hillis, Dane, Sr. (returnee)
Binev, Georgi, Jr. (returnee)
Baddeley, Nate, So. (returnee)
Lietz, Nico, Jr. (returnee)
Jordan, Myles, Fr. (high school recruit)
Gajek, Wojceich, Fr. (international recruit)

Middle Blocker
Bouchkov, Lazar, Jr. (returning starter)
Preuitt, Isaiah, So. (returnee)
Braun, Ben, Sr. (returnee)
Crystt, Jackson, Fr. (high school recruit)
Marquardt, Braedon, So. (transfer from GCU)

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apparently

too bad. very good player attackng and serving. could become an All-American

hate to see him go, this year proved need depther

his receiving needed work, had a shot. he'll still have to get his receiving better

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https://gculopes.com/sports/mens-volleyball/roster/braedon-marquardt/13585

Played a decent amount in his freshmen season at GCU. Played middle blocker but he is on the short side (6'5). He's also listed as an opposite. Will see what plans Knipe has for him.