First Nebraska 2027 Rankings Released: The Top 25

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We have a Top 25.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Our first Nebraska 2027 watch list was conceived just under a year ago. Since then, we have watched this group of young athletes evolve and make extraordinary accomplishments on local and national stages. But, if there's one thing to take away from this feature, it's this: we have a long journey ahead with the 2027s, and this is just the beginning.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Remember this as we discuss our first edition of the Nebraska 2027 rankings. We're approaching a high school season that will shake up the rankings and grow our list beyond the initial 25. Then, we'll gear up for another club season, and the cycle repeats itself.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With so much left to see from the 2027s, it's important not to get too caught up in the order of our first rankings. Rather, think of our first Top 25 as a reflection of who has had an exceptional start to their prep careers. The list is in its most dynamic, fluid stage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>That's a lengthy preface to today's feature, but let's discuss our first rankings selections. We have various trends and observations to break down.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":528387,"width":"375px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none","align":"right"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/04/434388377_1021158189682050_7106759472875735301_n.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-528387" style="width:375px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Judson (left) and Wallraff are early trendsetters in our Nebraska 2027 rankings.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Positional Variety at the Top</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Recall that our first releases of the 2026 rankings were stacked with outside hitters. 2027 looks a little different.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Middle blockers immediately stand out with [player_tooltip player_id='445956' first='Reagan' last='Wallraff'], [player_tooltip player_id='458060' first='Reagan' last='Meyers'], and [player_tooltip player_id='458153' first='Lyric' last='Judson'] occupying half of the top six. Of course, elite middle blockers like these often blur positional distinctions from match to match. We've seen all three players get pin reps lately, highlighting their willingness to take as many swings as possible.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pins are still prevalent. Top talent in this position group includes [player_tooltip player_id='498907' first='Nora' last='Herian'], [player_tooltip player_id='458123' first='Hallie' last='Lauenstein'], and [player_tooltip player_id='365054' first='Evelyn' last='Timmons']--all from three different clubs. We can also add [player_tooltip player_id='458126' first='Ava' last='Waters'] from the Premier Nebraska camp, though her dual role as a setter is worth noting.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>How about a few more setters? [player_tooltip player_id='458117' first='Malorie' last='Boesiger'] has been in our coverage spotlight for a while, so her emergence near the top is no surprise. 2027 setters made an extraordinary impression toward the end of this year's club season, giving rise to rankings entrants like [player_tooltip player_id='458165' first='McKinley' last='Moser'] and [player_tooltip player_id='458134' first='Millie' last='Mauch'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If there's one position group we need to slide into the top ten, it's the liberos. [player_tooltip player_id='458162' first='Taylor' last='McLeay'] and [player_tooltip player_id='458186' first='Trina' last='Schroeder'] seem poised to make those gains.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Variety and versatility are getting our full endorsement for the 2027 list.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">National Impressions</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As we scroll through the Top 25, we see a lot of players who made unforgettable plays on club volleyball's national stage--particularly at AAU Nationals and GJNC.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":566282,"width":"382px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none","align":"right"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/450467290_1094302449034290_3525357962369714580_n.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-566282" style="width:382px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Moser helped run the show for [program_tooltip program_id='428743' first='VCNebraska' last=''] 15 Elite in 2024.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Most of the names we mentioned above were present at USAV Nationals, and that's no coincidence. The Great Plains Region sent a trio of 15 Open qualifiers to GJNC this year along with a host of other bid-earning squads. We can keep rolling through more athletes, too.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='591636' first='Maddox' last='Graves'] and [player_tooltip player_id='443108' first='Reese' last='Eilenstine'] became crucial contributors during Premier Nebraska 15 Gold's journey to Vegas. The 2024 club season was pivotal in cementing their spots in the rankings, especially after seeing so much success against the nation's best.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[program_tooltip program_id='428743' first='VCNebraska' last=''] thrived on the USAV stage with [player_tooltip player_id='458124' first='Gracie' last='Lauenstein'] and [player_tooltip player_id='458169' first='Alli' last='Bornschlegl'] bringing all-around contributions. VCN 15 Elite's best moments centered around the team's excellent ball control, and [player_tooltip player_id='458164' first='Kaelynn' last='Lottman'] was often at the center of it all. Don't forget about [player_tooltip player_id='458146' first='Alex' last='Kroll'] and [player_tooltip player_id='521248' first='Livia' last='Drevo'], who mounted a late GJNC charge with VCN 15 Black.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Let's give a nod to the AAU champion. Tre'Sor Porter's transformative presence lifted [program_tooltip program_id='428728' first='River' last='City Jrs'] 16 Navy to AAU glory in Orlando. We've known about Porter's incredible athleticism and eye-popping kills, but her full repertoire grew considerably in 2024. Porter is developing the passing skills and defensive prowess to be a true six-rotation threat.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">What's Next?</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We're already looking ahead to the next expansion.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's what we're thinking. The high school season is on the horizon, and we're about to learn a lot more about the 2027 hierarchy and the state's next stars. That includes adding entirely new names to our list as fresh faces compete at the varsity level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This allows us to bring small-town stars to the forefront. We are fortunate to have clubs like South Central NE and Nebraska Pride already bringing hidden gems into focus during the club season. However, we're just scratching the surface of our geographical reach in the 2027 watch list. High school competition is the best way to bridge that gap.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Anticipate the next rankings refresh sometime during the fall season. We can't say for sure how large the rankings will be by then. 50? More?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As for the short term, look out for features in the next several days. We're preparing to cover a group of players on the cusp of joining the ranked list. Get ready.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->