I'll be honest — picking the best attackers in college volleyball this season was harder than I expected. There's so much firepower across the NCAA right now that I had to leave a few names off the list I really didn't want to. But these are the hitters I believe are defining the 2026 season with their swings, their composure, and their ability to take over a match when their team needs a kill.
How I Picked These Attackers
I looked at kills per set, hitting percentage, and how each player performs in tight sets — not just against weaker opponents. I also weighed how they handle a tough block, how they swing in transition, and how often coaches go to them in the final five points of a set. That last one matters more than stats can show.
The Top 10 Attackers Right Now
Olivia Babcock
Pittsburgh · OppositeI think she's the most unstoppable one-on-one attacker in the country right now. Her arm speed is unreal.
Harper Murray
Nebraska · Outside HitterShe swings smart, not just hard. I believe she's the best six-rotation hitter in college volleyball.
Mimi Colyer
Wisconsin · Outside HitterPure power. When she's locked in, I don't know who blocks her clean.
Eva Hudson
Kentucky · Outside HitterI love how composed she is in big moments. Kentucky's go-to in the fifth set.
Torrey Stafford
Texas · Outside HitterAthletic, explosive, and only getting better. I suggest watching her in conference play.
Logan Lednicky
Texas A&M · OppositeA huge reason A&M is defending champs. She closes sets.
Brooklyn DeLeye
Kentucky · Outside HitterI think she's the most underrated star in the SEC.
Kennedy Martin
Penn State · OppositePure point-scorer. Her line shot is filthy.
Elia Rubin
Stanford · Outside HitterA complete attacker — she passes, she swings, she leads.
Kenna Wollard
Purdue · Outside HitterI believe Purdue rises or falls with her swings.
Who I Think Could Crash This List
A few names I'm watching closely: Andi Jackson at Nebraska has the swing of a future All-American, Noemie Glover at Arizona State plays with an edge that's contagious, and Flormarie Heredia Colon at Miami is one of the most fun hitters to watch in the ACC. Give it six weeks and any of them could force their way into the top 10.
My Pick for Player of the Year
If you're asking me right now? I'd give it to Olivia Babcock. I know Harper Murray is the safer pick, and I almost went with her — but Babcock is doing things on the right side that I haven't seen since the early days of the rally-score era. I'll happily revisit this in November.
Follow These Players All Season
We track every match for these athletes on each team page, and you can vote for your favorite hitter on our fan voting page. If you want the bigger picture, pair this list with our Top 25 teams to watch in 2026 — most of these attackers are leading those exact rosters.
Final Thoughts
We're living in a golden era of college volleyball hitters. The combination of power, control, and IQ across this group is something I don't take for granted. Whoever you're rooting for, I hope you get to watch at least a few of these names live this season — they're worth the ticket. 🏐
Vote for Your Favorite Attacker
Cast your vote and see who fans think is the best in the country.