A new partnership with pace, pressure, and a chip on its shoulder

If you’re looking for the 2026 men’s team that’s most likely to make opponents feel uncomfortable from the first whistle, start here: Taylor Crabb and Andy Benesh.

It’s a partnership built on a simple concept: constant pressure — and it’s coming together right after two high-profile splits. Benesh moves on from Miles Partain. Crabb moves on from Taylor Sander. Two winning systems, dissolved. One new pairing with serious bite.

On paper, this is the cleanest roles-and-weapons fit the AVP could ask for: Crabb, the league’s most prolific defender-side scorer, paired with Benesh, one of the league’s most efficient blocker-side servers.

A honeymoon text that turned into a handshake

The origin story is already peak beach volleyball.

Crabb had been nudged for months — especially by Nick Lucena — until he finally pulled the trigger after his final international swing of the year.

“I just shot him a text… ‘If you’re open to a new partnership next year, let me know. I’d love to talk with you.’” — Taylor Crabb

Benesh was on his honeymoon in Japan when it came through.

“Taylor reached out to me in like middle of December, and I was on my honeymoon — we were in Japan at that point — and he was just kind of seeing what my plans were for the future in the lead up to ’28.” — Andy Benesh

A few weeks later, lunch turned into alignment.

“I thought the conversation went really well and our priorities were aligned… after that conversation I was like, all right, let’s do it.” — Andy Benesh

Why this, why now

Both players are honest about it: the timing wasn’t random.

“Me and Miles had an up and down year… we were both struggling with just figuring out our purpose for playing.” — Andy Benesh

When Partain chose to step back internationally, Benesh didn’t.

“I decided I still want to keep going pretty hard and keep pursuing it while I can.” — Andy Benesh

On Crabb’s side, the spark came back during those late-season international events.

“Those last two international tournaments that I played in with Trevor… it kind of got that fire back in me to play internationally and to compete at that level.” — Taylor Crabb

And once that fire returned, Crabb went hunting for a partner who could match it.

“If I can get Andy, someone I can actually qualify with, but also do well with in the Olympics… it’ll be worth it.” — Taylor Crabb

The spice: no-calls offense, jump sets, and speed stress

This is where it gets fun.

Crabb is already talking about stripping the offense down to something silent and sharp.

“I’m not gonna call anything for my offense… nobody will hear anything… it’ll all just be position-based where Andy is setting or how he’s setting… putting a lot of stress on the blocker.” — Taylor Crabb

He even dropped the comp that’ll make every old-school fan perk up:

“We’ve been trying to mimic Kantor/Loziak… because they didn’t say a word.” — Taylor Crabb

Benesh, meanwhile, is leaning into pace and creativity — and yes, jump setting is on the menu.

“Yeah, for sure. I’ll be jump setting a lot… he’s kind of reading me based off whether I’m going to jump set or not… it’s going to be really tough for the blockers to keep up.” — Andy Benesh

And Benesh made it clear where he thinks the team’s identity starts:

“Off the bat… our team strength is going to be blocking and defense… Taylor’s so good at squeezing the court behind whoever he’s playing with… he’s more free to roam back there and rely on his instincts.” — Andy Benesh

What success looks like in 2026

Yes, the long game is LA 2028. But neither of these guys is signing up for a “building year” with polite results.

Crabb’s version is blunt:

“We want to win the AVP and the League, and we want to medal in the FIVB tournaments that we play.” — Taylor Crabb

Benesh echoed the same competitive intent, just with a clearer development lens:

“We want to win tournaments… win some of the Heritage tournaments… medal in the international tournaments… playing with a chip on our shoulders… and trying to improve every day.” — Andy Benesh

If they hit the chemistry early, this partnership won’t just be good. It’ll be loud — without saying a word.