Eye-Catchers Starting to Hit the Portal.....Biggest Names So Far

We are nearly two weeks into the transfer portal cycle, and so far, we have a lot of big names from Power 5 schools. Some had great starts to their college careers but needed a change of scenery, while some were top recruits out of high school who hadn’t gotten a chance yet. So, without further ado, let’s look at my top seven transfers to enter the portal so far. 

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Kate Hansen, Middle Blocker, Texas Tech

Hansen is a 6’3 Middle Blocker who committed to Texas Tech as part of the class of 2023. She was a star for the Raiders. She started in all 21 games before her season was cut short with an injury. Hansen recorded five or more blocks in 12 games and had eight kills in an upset versus Kansas back in September. She finished the season with 99 blocks, 75 kills, and 15 aces. Not to mention, she still has four years of eligibility and was a former top 70 recruit. 

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Whitney Laurenstein, Outside/Opposite, Nebraska

Lauenstein was a top 20 recruit who stayed in-state to play for Nebraska. In her first two years, she was one of the best outsides in the country, being named to multiple All-Tournament teams, All-Region teams, and All-Academic teams. She averaged double-digit kills and was incredible defensively, creating blocks. Lauenstein finished her Nebraska career with 360 kills and 88.5 blocks. Since she didn’t play in 2023, she still has two years of eligibility left, which makes her an incredible prospect for teams who need an experienced hitter. 

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Maradith O’Gorman, Outside/Opposite, Michigan State

O’Gorman had an incredible Freshman season for Michigan State. She was a standout who started in 25 of the 31 games she appeared in. She finished with 260 kills and 69 blocks. She was a force. However, she only appeared in 11 games for the Spartans this season, with only 20 kills. O’Gorman, who has two years of eligibility left, was a former top-25 recruit out of Michigan. 

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Aly Borellis, Setter, Ole Miss

Borellis was a two-year starter for Ole Miss. She earned SEC All-Freshman team honors after a rookie season with 832 assists. She followed up her stellar freshman year with another 832-assist performance in her sophomore year.  She added over 350 digs to that resume as well. Borellis was a top 5 setter in the class of 2022. She will be a highly sought-after talent with two years of eligibility remaining. 

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Bianna Muoneke, Outside Hitter, Texas A&M

Muoneke was just named to the SEC All-Freshman Team only a few weeks ago, now, she is about to be one of the biggest names in this portal, especially with her having three years of eligibility left. Muoneke finished her Freshman season with nearly 300 kills and nearly 200 digs. She was a star for a very good Texas A&M team. Not to mention, she was also a top 80 recruit in the 2023 class. 

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Chelsea Thorpe, Outside/Opposite, Ohio State

After not playing in her Freshman season, the former top prospect surged in her Sophomore year. Thorpe finished with 232 kills while playing in 29 matches for the Buckeyes this year. She also finished with 35 blocks. Thorpe was a former top 55 prospect in the class of 2022. She will be a top Big 10 transfer, probably a nice get for another Big 10 school. 

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Reagan Rutherford, Outside Hitter, Kentucky

Right before I was about to post this article, Reagan Rutherford announced that she would be transferring from Kentucky. Rutherford is a grad student who was an All-SEC player in her junior season. She has been a top Outside Hitter for Kentucky for the last three years, including this season, where she finished with 271 kills. Rutherford, in her All-SEC season, posted 386 kills and 95 blocks. It was her best season by far. Rutherford is about to make a top team needing experience happy with her one year remaining of eligibility.