I'll just say it — this might be the deepest freshman class in NCAA volleyball I've seen in years. Every program in the top 25 reloaded, and a few of these freshmen are walking into starting jobs from day one. I believe a couple of them will be on All-American watch lists before Halloween.
How I Built This List
I focused on three things: high school dominance, club résumé, and how each player fits the system she's joining. I think fit matters more than star ranking — a four-star freshman in the right offense will outproduce a five-star sitting behind a senior. I also leaned on what I've seen in spring matches and exhibition tape.
Top 10 Freshmen Entering NCAA Volleyball in 2026
Adrianna Hernandez
Texas · Outside HitterI think she's the most pro-ready freshman in the country. Her arm is already SEC-level.
Campbell Flynn
Nebraska · SetterI believe she's going to step into Nebraska's offense and not miss a beat. The IQ is rare.
Sydney Canessa
Stanford · SetterStanford recruits the best setters in the country, and I suggest watching how fast she runs the offense.
Charley Frohling
Pittsburgh · Outside HitterPitt keeps reloading. She's smooth, athletic, and I think she'll start by mid-season.
Lily Wagner
Kentucky · Outside HitterI love her court awareness. She plays older than she is.
Reagan Ennist
Texas A&M · Outside HitterA&M's recruiting class is nuts, and I think she's the freshman who breaks out first.
Avery Anderson
Wisconsin · Middle BlockerBig, quick, and competitive. I believe she'll fight for a starting spot in Madison.
Norah Sis
Creighton · Outside HitterI know Creighton fans are excited — and they should be. She swings with serious confidence.
Maya Tabron
Penn State · Outside HitterPenn State landed a future star. Her ceiling might be the highest in the class.
Brooklyn Cink
Louisville · SetterI think she fits Louisville's tempo perfectly. Watch her early.
Freshmen I'm Watching Outside the Top 10
I want to call out a few more names I really like: a couple of incoming middles at Minnesota and Purduewho I think will surprise people, plus a libero class at BYU that I believe is one of the strongest in the country. I'd also keep an eye on the USCfreshmen — that staff knows how to develop attackers fast.
My Pick for Freshman of the Year
If you put me on the spot? I'd go with Adrianna Hernandez at Texas. I know it's the easy pick — but every time I watch her tape, I see a freshman who's already making college-level reads. I suggest circling her name now and checking back in November.
Why Freshmen Matter More Than Ever
With NIL and the transfer portal, freshmen aren't redshirting like they used to. Coaches need production now, and I think the best programs are the ones that trust young players in big moments. We've already seen freshmen win national championships — and I believe this class has a few who could do the same.
Follow These Freshmen All Season
We update rosters and schedules for every program on each team page, and you can vote for your favorite rising star on our fan voting page. If you want the full picture of where these freshmen are landing, pair this with our Top 25 teams to watch in 2026and our best attackers list.
Final Thoughts
I believe the freshman class shapes the NCAA season more than people realize. The teams that win in December are usually the ones whose freshmen got comfortable in October. Whoever you follow, I hope you take the time this fall to watch a few of these names — they're the future of the sport, and honestly, the future is already here. 🏐
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