November 1, 2023

Signing day for National Letters of Intent is Nov. 8. While very little will change in the next week in terms of commitments, there was a massive shake up recently when 5-star middle blocker Ayden Ames decommitted from Nebraska and re-announced her new commitment to Texas. That had a big impact on Nebraska’s class, as the Huskers went from bringing in three 5-star recruits to two. Nebraska was one of two schools with three or more 5-star recruits prior. With Ames’ announcement, it leaves only Florida with more than two 5-star recruits. As signing day rapidly approaches, we take a look below at what we expect to be the Top 10 recruiting classes for 2024. FLORIDA   Notes: The Gators have a massive incoming class with four 5-star recruits and two 3-star defenders in the mix as well. Auguste is one of the most athletic and dynamic middles in the class and at 6-2 is part of tall haul for the Gators. Harden – at 6-3 – has tremendous upside with her length and athleticism as well and could eventually explode at the next level. Rothe – another middle who is 6-3 – is a high IQ player who has also spent time on the pin at the club level. While Alexis Stucky figures to be running the show when she returns from injury next year, we saw how lack of setting depth can impact a roster. Parks will change that. Her hands are butter and with her Florida is getting another high-level disher. USC   Notes: While Florida’s class is at the very top, separating the rest of the pack near the top is very difficult. There are many classes at a similar level. The Trojans are certainly in the mix with what they are adding. Anyanwu, at 6-2, might be the hardest hitter in the class and she’s going to bring tons of physicality to the lineup. Anyanwu’s club teammate in the 6-1 Livings adds versatility to the lineup. She’s played mostly on the right side in club but does have the ability to play six rotations as well as line up at outside. Tealer is listed at 6-0 but she’s a high-flying outside who brings athleticism to the pin. Douglas, meanwhile, is a strong defender who reads well and will add defensive depth. WISCONSIN   Notes: Among the incoming class for the Badgers are two international players. We don’t know much about them but we do know Wisconsin is among the schools which landed a pair of 5-star recruits. Fuerbringer is one of the top setters in the class and the timing is perfect with MJ Hammil being a senior and Izzy Ashburn a graduate player. Fuerbringer’s IQ is off the charts and is likely she makes an immediate impact. Schumacher is a lights-out passer and defender. With freshman Saige Damrow already on the roster, the Badgers’ back row future is a bright one. STANFORD   Notes: The Cardinal are yet one more program bringing aboard two 5-star recruits. What stands out the most landing Yu, who is arguably the best setter in the class. She lines up to take over once Kami Miner is gone. Andrew is a 6-5 middle with the potential to become a force at the next level. Duncan, at 6-4, adds more size to the roster as well as depth. LOUISVILLE   Notes: The Cardinals are in the thick of teams with top level recruiting classes. Cabello, at 6-1, is a versatile player who can set and hit. She could play that same role at the next level or just be part of the setting options. Utterback is just a bit undersized but more than makes up for it with her leaping ability. She can get up in a hurry and is an explosive hitter. Petersen has a strong arm. All three could be in the mix for playing time as rookies. NEBRASKA   Notes: No doubt losing Ames knocked Nebraska down a notch. The Huskers were looking at having one of the best classes in 2024. Now, they join a big list of schools bringing on two 5-star recruits. At 6-2, Pierce is a high-flying, free-swinging outside. However, barring a bunch of roster changeover she’s unlikely to crack the lineup as a rookie and instead could be in line to contribute as a sophomore or even junior. With Lexi Rodriguez and Laney Choboy, the Huskers are strong in the back row and Mauch will add yet another top-level talent into the mix. PENN STATE   Notes: The Nittany Lions have a small but mighty incoming class. Starck is one of the top recruits in 2024. She’s a high-level setter and hitter who is going to bring lineup options when she arrives. It wouldn’t be surprising to see her on the court a lot as a freshman. Falduto has risen quickly and has elevated her status as one of the best defenders in the class. She too could get on the court in a defensive specialist role as a rookie. MICHIGAN   Notes: Not only are the Wolverines bringing in a big class, it’s a talented one on top of it. Edwards has excellent hands and location as well as knowing how to run an offense. White is an interesting prospect because she’s spent her high school career and this past club season as a six-rotation outside. With it, she brings roster flexibility. Hanes, at 6-3, is a scoring machine in the middle. At 6-2, Demetrician brings length to the pin. Meanwhile Gordon is a 6-3 wall of a blocker on the right side who arrives with lots of upside and potential to star at the next level. OHIO STATE   Notes: Like Michigan, the Buckeyes are adding one of the larger classes. The highlight is Sellman, a 6-4 outside who hits with great extension and pace. It’s very likely she takes on a starting role out of the gate as a freshman next season. After that, Ohio State is bolstering