During his freshman season at
Long Beach State in 2025, Simeon Nikolov quickly established himself as a standout player. He recorded 1,030 assists, averaging 9.60 assists per set, alongside 153 kills and 77 blocks. Nikolov also set a new NCAA single-season record with 106 service aces, averaging nearly one ace per set. With these outstanding statistics he contributed to Long Beach State University, he earned several well-deserved awards, including the AVCA National Player of the Year and Big West Player of the Year. He led Long Beach State into the NCAA Division I Men's Volleyball championship: sweeping UCLA 3-0 in the finals, allowing them to be named as the 2025 NCAA Division I champions. On May 2025, After winning the NCAA championship, he made an announcement in leaving Long Beach State to play professionally overseas in
Lokomotiv Novosibirsk of the Russian Super League. In May 2025, 18‑year‑old setter Simeon Nikolov completed his first professional transfer, departing Long Beach State to join
Lokomotiv Novosibirsk of the
Russian Super League, where
Plamen Konstantinov is the head coach. His initial contract spans one year, with options to extend for up to two additional seasons. Nikolov stated that
Lokomotiv was “the strongest team that wanted me” and expressed confidence in working under
Plamen Konstantinov, aiming to develop further in one of the world’s most competitive leagues. The decision, he said, was supported by his family, national coach
Gianlorenzo Blengini, and the Bulgarian federation, emphasizing his ambition to strengthen the national team by gaining experience at the top level. Lokomotiv’s president and coach highlighted Nikolov’s exceptional potential, citing his physical attributes—207 cm height, powerful serve—and expressed plans to integrate him as their primary setter. == International career ==