Honestly, the energy around Lincoln right now is just different. Usually, when a legend like John Cook retires, there’s this collective holding of breath, right? You wonder if the machine will keep humming or if the gears are going to start grinding. But then Dani Busboom Kelly (DBK) steps in, and before she’s even unpacked her office, she lands the literal number one player in the country for the 2027 cycle.
Boom.
That’s how you make a statement.
If you've been following the nebraska volleyball recruits 2027 news, you know that June 15th was basically Christmas in the middle of summer. That midnight window opened, the phones started buzzing, and within 48 hours, the Huskers had already built the foundation of what looks like a terrifyingly good class. We’re talking about five commitments that cover almost every single position on the floor. It’s not just about height, either; it’s about that specific "Husker" DNA—gritty, high-IQ, and seemingly immune to pressure.
The Crown Jewel: Kendall Omoruyi
Let’s talk about Kendall Omoruyi. If you haven't seen her play for Arizona Storm or Sierra Canyon, you're missing out on a physical marvel. She’s 6'4", she's a middle blocker, and she touches 10'8" (yeah, you read 그 right). PrepDig has her ranked as the #1 overall recruit in the 2027 class, and it’s easy to see why.
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She isn't just a "big body" that stands in the way. Kendall has this whip-like arm swing that makes the ball sound different when it hits the floor. Nebraska has this incredible pipeline from the Arizona Storm club—think Teraya Sigler and Kenna Cogill—and Omoruyi keeps that tradition alive. With Andi Jackson and Rebekah Allick eventually moving on, having a 6'4" monster in the middle who can slide and transition like a wing player is basically a cheat code for DBK.
Keeping it Local with Malorie Boesiger
You can't have a Nebraska class without a homegrown star. It’s basically a law. Enter Malorie Boesiger. If that last name sounds familiar, it should—her sister Maisie has been a fan favorite for years.
Malorie is a 5'9" setter out of Norris High School, and she was actually the first one to pull the trigger and commit for 2027. She’s not the tallest setter in the world, but her hands are like silk. She broke Norris’s single-season assist record, which, hilariously enough, was previously held by her sister. There's a certain kind of "gym rat" energy you get with coaches' kids—her mom, Christinia, is a Hall of Fame coach—and you can see it in how Malorie runs an offense. She’s calm when the pass is off the net and deceptive enough to keep opposing middles guessing.
The Defensive Anchors: Laikona and Johnson
Nebraska’s identity is built on defense. If the ball hits the floor without a Husker diving for it, the world might actually end. DBK clearly prioritized the back row by snagging two of the best liberos in the country.
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- Pulelehua "Hua" Laikona: Another Arizona Storm product. She’s 5'8", which is actually quite tall for a libero, giving her massive range. People call her a "dawg" on the court because her intensity is through the roof.
- Mallory Johnson: Ranked as the #1 recruit in Michigan. She’s 5'6" and plays with this incredible anticipation. It’s like she knows where the hitter is going before the hitter does.
Having two elite defensive specialists in one class might seem like overkill to some, but in the Big Ten, you can never have enough ball control. Honestly, seeing them together in the backcourt is going to be a nightmare for opposing hitters.
Shaye Witherspoon: The Terminal Wing
Then there’s Shaye Witherspoon. She’s a 6'3" outside hitter from Missouri who has already won two state titles. PrepDig has her at #10 overall. She’s that "terminal" hitter every coach dreams of—the one you give the ball to at 24-24 when you absolutely need a kill.
What’s wild about Shaye is her efficiency. It’s rare to see a high school outside hitter hit over .370 while taking 40% of the team's swings, but she does it. She’s physical enough to hit over the block and smart enough to tool it when the triple-block arrives.
Why the 2027 Class is Different
Usually, recruiting is a slow burn. But the nebraska volleyball recruits 2027 cycle felt like a sprint. Why? Because the coaching transition from Cook to DBK was so seamless. There was no "wait and see" period from the recruits. They wanted in immediately.
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There is still some mystery at the setter position. While Boesiger is a lock, there’s talk about whether Nebraska will take a second setter or wait for the 2028 class, which is rumored to be historically deep at that position. Names like Sophee Peterson from Texas are still floating around in the "maybe" category, though the staff seems to be being very selective now that the core of the class is set.
What Most People Get Wrong About Nebraska Recruiting
A lot of fans think Nebraska just gets whoever they want because of the "Sellout Streak" and the fancy facilities. While that helps, DBK is looking for a specific personality. You have to be okay with the pressure of 8,000+ people watching your every move. You have to be okay with John Cook (who is still around in an advisory role) or DBK getting in your face about footwork.
This 2027 group seems to thrive on that. They aren't just talented; they're competitive to a fault.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Aspiring Recruits
If you’re a fan trying to keep track of this, or a younger player wondering how to get on the radar for 2028 or 2029, here’s the reality of the current landscape:
- Versatility is King: Look at how DBK recruits. She loves players who can do multiple things. Even the middles are expected to have good ball-handling skills. If you're a specialist who can't pass or serve, your ceiling at a place like Nebraska is limited.
- The "Storm" Connection: Keep an eye on Arizona Storm Elite. The pipeline is real. If a top-tier recruit is playing there, Nebraska is likely already watching.
- The June 15th Factor: If you’re a recruit, that date is everything. If the big schools aren't calling you at 12:01 AM on June 15th of your sophomore year, it doesn't mean you won't play D1, but it means the "Power Brokers" have their eyes elsewhere.
- Camp Presence: Both Boesiger and Wallraff (another top 2027 target) spent significant time at Nebraska’s summer camps. Being in the gym with the coaches is still the best way to prove you can handle the "Husker Way."
The 2027 class is already looking like a group that could win a national title. With a mix of local heart and national firepower, the transition to the Dani Busboom Kelly era isn't just happening—it's thriving. Keep an eye on the remaining open spots; if they add one more elite middle or a second big-time arm, this might go down as the best class in the country, period.