I'll be honest — I think the setter is the most important position in volleyball. Hitters get the highlights, but the setter decides the offense. So I've put together my list of the top setters in NCAA women's volleyball for 2026, and I believe this group is the deepest the college game has had in years.
How I Ranked Them
I looked at three things: tempo, decision-making under pressure, and how much better their hitters look because of them. Stats matter, but I think the eye test matters more for setters. A great setter makes everyone around her look All-American.
Top 10 Setters in NCAA Volleyball 2026
Bergen Reilly
Nebraska · SetterI think she's the best setter in the country right now. Her tempo, poise, and big-match composure are unmatched.
Ella Swindle
Texas · SetterTexas runs the fastest offense in the SEC, and I believe she's the reason. Her hands are clean and her decisions are pro-level.
Emma Grome
Kentucky · SetterI love how she controls a match. She doesn't force anything — she just keeps her hitters in rhythm.
Kami Miner
Stanford · SetterStanford keeps producing elite setters, and I think she's the smartest one on this list.
Rachel Fairbanks
Pittsburgh · SetterPitt's offense flows because of her. I believe she's the most underrated setter in the ACC.
Izzy Starck
Penn State · SetterShe came in as a freshman and ran the whole show. I think she's only getting better.
MJ Hammill
Wisconsin · SetterWisconsin's offense lives and dies with her. I love her competitiveness.
Charitie Luper
Texas A&M · SetterI think A&M jumps a tier this year because she's distributing the ball at an SEC level.
Eva Hudson
Purdue · SetterSmart, calm, and dependable. I believe she's the kind of setter who wins you tight five-setters.
Campbell Flynn
Nebraska · SetterYes, a freshman — but I suggest watching her. Nebraska doesn't recruit setters they don't trust.
Setters I'm Watching Outside the Top 10
I want to mention a few more I really like — there's a setter at Louisvillewho I think runs one of the most balanced offenses in the ACC, plus a Minnesotasetter who is quietly playing at an All-Big Ten level. I also believe the BYUand Creighton setters are the kind of players who win you a regional in December.
My Pick for Setter of the Year
If I have to choose one? I'm going with Bergen Reilly at Nebraska. I think she's the most complete setter in the country, and she plays in front of 9,000 fans every night without blinking. I suggest watching her in any Big Ten match — you'll see what I mean.
Why Setters Decide National Championships
Look at the last five Final Fours — the team with the best setter usually wins. I believe that's not a coincidence. In a tight five-setter, the setter is the one who has to stay calm, read the block, and trust the right hitter. The teams I've picked here have setters I'd trust in that exact moment.
Follow These Setters All Season
We track rosters and schedules for every program on each team page, and you can vote for your favorite setter on our fan voting page. Pair this with our best attackers listand the top 25 teams to watch in 2026for the full picture.
Final Thoughts
I think setters are the most fun players to watch once you understand what they're doing. Whoever you root for, I hope you take a few matches this season and watch the setter instead of the ball. You'll see the game completely differently — and you might just find your new favorite player. 🏐
Vote for the Top Setter
Cast your vote and see which floor general fans believe in most.