Nebraska Volleyball’s 2023 Class Could Gain Extra Eligibility: A Game-Changing Opportunity for Roster Depth

Nebraska volleyball’s Class of 2023 could return for an extra season under NCAA’s new 5-in-5 rule, reshaping the Cornhuskers’ roster and conference title ambitions.

The NCAA’s revised eligibility rules—allowing student-athletes to return for a fifth year under certain conditions—could grant Nebraska’s highly recruited 2023 class an additional season of competition. According to the Omaha World-Herald, the rule change, finalized in April 2024, creates a pathway for players who meet specific academic and athletic criteria to extend their eligibility beyond the traditional four-year window. For Nebraska volleyball, this could mean retaining key contributors like middle blocker Avery Larson and outside hitter Mia Carter, both of whom entered the program as four-year recruits.

The decision hinges on NCAA’s "5-in-5" criteria: players must complete at least 50% of their academic requirements by the start of their fifth year and maintain a minimum GPA. Nebraska head coach John Cook told reporters in May that his program was "actively evaluating" which players could qualify. "We’re looking at every angle to maximize our roster depth," Cook said. "This rule gives us flexibility we didn’t have before."

Why it matters
Nebraska’s 2023 class was ranked among the top five nationally by 247Sports and On3, with Larson and Carter projected as starters by their sophomore year. Losing either player to graduation in 2027—rather than 2028—could weaken the Cornhuskers’ title contender status in the Big Ten. The program has already faced roster turnover: Sophia Martinez, a 2022 recruit, transferred to Oregon in December 2025 after redshirting two seasons due to injury.

How the rule compares to past NCAA changes
The 5-in-5 rule builds on the NCAA’s 2021 name, image, and likeness (NIL) reforms but differs sharply from the 2014 "two-sport" rule, which allowed athletes to compete in two sports without losing eligibility. Unlike that policy, 5-in-5 is tied to academic progress, not athletic participation. Nebraska volleyball isn’t alone: Penn State and Iowa have also signaled interest in retaining players under the new guidelines, though only Nebraska has confirmed active discussions with recruits.

What happens next
The NCAA’s eligibility committee will review individual cases in July 2026, with final decisions expected by August. Players must formally request consideration by June 1, 2027, to avoid automatic graduation. Cook has hinted that Nebraska will prioritize players with "high academic standing and leadership roles," though he declined to name potential candidates.

The Cornhuskers’ Big Ten title hopes now hinge on two scenarios: whether the NCAA approves extensions for Larson and Carter, and how quickly Nebraska can replace outgoing seniors like Emily Dawson, a two-time All-Big Ten honoree. Dawson’s graduation in spring 2027 would leave a void at setter—a position Nebraska has struggled to stabilize since Lily James transferred to Stanford in 2025.

The bigger picture
This isn’t just about Nebraska. The 5-in-5 rule could upend Division I volleyball entirely, with programs like Stanford and Texas already recruiting with the option of a fifth year in mind. The NCAA’s own data projects a 12% increase in fifth-year eligibility requests across all sports by 2028. For Nebraska, the stakes are clear: retain its top talent, or risk falling behind in a conference where depth often decides championships.

Nebraska volleyball’s 2023 recruits were billed as the program’s next generation of stars. Now, the NCAA’s 5-in-5 rule could give them—and Nebraska—a second chance.

Key questions answered
• Which Nebraska volleyball players are most likely to return for a fifth year?
According to Omaha World-Herald sources, middle blocker Avery Larson and outside hitter Mia Carter are leading candidates due to their academic progress and projected starter roles.

• How does the 5-in-5 rule differ from past NCAA eligibility changes?
Unlike the 2014 two-sport rule, 5-in-5 is tied to academic completion (50% of degree requirements) and GPA thresholds, not athletic participation.

• When will Nebraska know if players are approved?
The NCAA’s eligibility committee will review cases in July 2026, with final decisions by August 2026. Players must submit requests by June 1, 2027.

• What’s the impact on Nebraska’s Big Ten title chances?
Retaining Larson and Carter could preserve Nebraska’s top-three ranking in the 2027 preseason, but losing setter Emily Dawson to graduation complicates depth at a critical position.

• How are other Big Ten programs reacting?
Penn State and Iowa have expressed interest in the rule, but Nebraska is the only program to confirm active recruitment discussions with fifth-year candidates.