Nebraska 2026 Rankings Update: Attackers on the Rise

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Let's revisit that stacked list of sophomores.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Our coverage of the new <a href="https://prepdig.com/nebraska/rankings/2026-rankings/">Nebraska Class of 2026 rankings</a> has addressed the new <a href="https://prepdig.com/2023/10/nebraska-2026-rankings-update-the-first-top-30/">top 30</a> and explored all the new additions. But, in reviewing our revamped list, we also have a handful of watch list standouts who were already in our database heading into the season. This feature will be geared toward them.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>So, here's a quick glimpse at some sophomore attackers from the 2026 watch list who have maintained their forward momentum this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["396731"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"David City gets a stunning amount of offensive production from its sophomore class. Andel factors heavily in that tally, even as this versatile athlete also carries a part-time setter role for the Scouts. She's racking up over two kills per set in the frontcourt to go along with her five-and-a-half assists per set in the backcourt, making Andel one of Nebraska's most intriguing utility players in the Class of 2026.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["396764"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"As expected, Backemeyer's sophomore numbers with Elmwood-Murdock have jumped considerably from last year's output. This dynamic attacker, who can play on the pin or in the middle, has elevated her averages by a whole kill per set to total 2.6 in 2023. Backemeyer's ascent with Nebraska Juniors this spring turned out to be a precursor for this sophomore surge, and the Knights are clearly in the mix for a postseason bid.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["275895"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"DeJonge, like Andel, is a South Central NE standout who has seen action on club volleyball's biggest stage. This outside hitter has been just as impressive on the high school scene as DeJonge approaches three kills per set with Adams Central this season. It's often difficult to be a new starter with a historically successful program like Adams Central, but DeJonge has the skill and experience to thrive in that environment.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["349476"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"Crete is steadily finding some balance in its offense with Eggerling rising to the occasion. The reliable pin hitter has 2.6 kills per set to her credit and is putting up digs at nearly the same clip from the middle-back area. Eggerling represents [program_tooltip program_id='428743' first='VCNebraska' last=''] on the club side and will have an excellent chance to progress further in that gym next spring.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["275966"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"Falk is becoming the sideout machine for Nebraska Christian. When you have an opportunity to set a player who is hitting almost 0.300 on the year, you'll do it. That's what the Eagles have when Falk rotates into the frontcourt, where Nebraska Christian gives her enough volume to rack up 2.5 kills per set. Middle production like that gives Nebraska Christian a chance to compete alongside any of its small-town counterparts.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_player":["275970"],"_player_evaluations_5_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"Gegg has been somewhat of an unsung hero during Shelton's rise to postseason contention. Her attacking volume is taking off in 2023 with over three kills per set on a 0.246 efficiency. The Bulldogs now have multiple attackers who can take over matches, and they still have a lot of time left with the program, too. This bodes well for Gegg and her Shelton teammates.","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_6_player":["396767"],"_player_evaluations_6_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"The Haarberg name has played a significant part in helping Kearney Catholic maintain its contender status in Class C1. Hazel has a chance to be a high-volume scorer during her prep career, similar to what [player_tooltip player_id='393536' first='Margaret' last='Haarberg'] is doing in the senior class. In the immediate future, though, there's a 2023 title to chase. The Stars have all the pieces to make that run.","_player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_7_player":["231947"],"_player_evaluations_7_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"We've documented the new era for Exeter-Milligan, which has consolidated with Friend to become EMF this fall. All this change hasn't stopped Haase from remaining the team's most prolific attacker with nearly three-and-a-half kills per set on an impressive 0.272 clip. We've seen Haase constantly elevate her game through high school venues and with her club work at [program_tooltip program_id='428743' first='VCNebraska' last=''], so her productive sophomore campaign is no surprise.","_player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_8_player":["275971"],"_player_evaluations_8_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_8_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_8_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"It's been quite a year for Ryan, and she's likely getting used to playing on big stages. The Overton sophomore started the 2023 calendar year by reaching USAV Nationals with her Nebraska Pride club team while playing up a year. That has led to another stout season with the Eagles this fall after Ryan competed in the Class D2 state championship match last fall. Ryan and Overton hope to finish one spot better this time.","_player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":9,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65276ed9cfed4"} /-->