It’s been a whirlwind start to the 2025 NCAA volleyball season. With so many fifth- and even sixth-year players having moved on after last year, the teams seeing the most success are those whose younger players are stepping up to fill in the gaps. Throughout the first month of the season, several freshmen have demonstrated immense potential and talent, with some already being the go-to points scorer on their respective teams. Now that we’ve reached the end of non-conference play, here’s who I see as the top freshmen in the conversation for the National Freshman of the Year award.

Cari Spears, Texas

To me, Cari Spears is the obvious front runner. Despite playing out-of-position on the right side and shouldering six-rotation responsibilities, she is performing at an elite level even with Texas’ extremely tough schedule. She’s had double-digit kills in all but one match (her first) so far, and is hitting over .350 on the season with nearly five points per set. If she continues to perform at this level for the rest of the season, that award has her name on it.

Erika Sayer, Stanford

It wasn’t the smoothest start to the season for the Stanford Cardinal, but middle blocker Erika Sayer has been an extremely bright spot for this young squad. She’s had double-digit kills in four matches and is averaging over 2.5 kills per set on a .448 hitting percentage, which is phenomenal for any middle, let alone a freshman. She’s not putting up shabby numbers on the blocking front either, with a team-leading 1.2 blocks per set on the season so far.

Suli Davis, BYU

Given that she was MVP of the 2025 Under Armour All-America match and a Best Outside Hitter at the U19 World Championship, it’s no surprise that Suli Davis is performing well for BYU. With double digit kills in all but one of her eleven matches, Davis is currently second on the team for points per set with 4.4 and is hitting just shy of .300 on the season. That said, BYU has only faced one ranked opponent—USC, who they swept—so it remains to be seen how Davis performs against stronger competition and if she’ll maintain her effectiveness during conference play.

Stella Swenson, Minnesota

After redshirting her first year while she sat behind Melani Shaffmaster, Stella Swenson is coming into her own as the leader of Minnesota’s offense. At 6’1”, Swenson has made herself a threat at the net, averaging .86 kills and .73 blocks per set in addition to 10.5 assists per set. Several early season-ending injuries to her teammates have made Minnesota’s situation a bit more precarious, but with Swenson and the excellent Julia Hanson at the helm, the Gophers still stand to make a solid tournament run.

Lindsey Mangelson, Mississippi State

Lindsey Mangelson flew under the radar in terms of top recruits, but she has been absolutely sensational so far. While Mississippi State hasn’t played any ranked opponents, Mangelson is currently third in the country in points per set with 5.81. Against Southern Mississippi, Mangelson tallied 33 points and 15 digs, a career high that would make plenty of senior athletes jealous. In a highly competitive SEC, it’s unlikely she’ll be able to maintain such high numbers, but she’s absolutely a player to watch.