Kendall Omoruyi, a 6-foot-4 middle blocker from Gilbert, Arizona, has ignited excitement in the volleyball world by becoming the second commitment to the Nebraska Cornhuskers’ 2027 recruiting class. Announced on June 16, 2025, her verbal pledge to Nebraska, as reported by sources like Sports Illustrated and On3, marks a monumental win for new head coach Dani Busboom Kelly. Ranked as the No. 1 prospect in the 2027 class by PrepDig and No. 4 by PrepVolleyball, Omoruyi’s commitment signals Nebraska’s continued dominance in recruiting elite talent, reinforcing their status as a volleyball powerhouse aiming for another national championship.
Omoruyi’s decision came swiftly after college coaches could contact 2027 recruits on June 15, 2025. Playing for Arizona Storm, a club that produced current Huskers Teraya Sigler and Kenna Cogill, as well as All-American Lauren Stivrins, Omoruyi has honed her skills in a competitive environment. Her sophomore stats at Casteel High School—2.7 kills per set on a .342 hitting percentage and 0.8 blocks per set—showcase her dominance as a middle blocker. Her experience with the U.S. junior national team last summer and her inclusion in the 2025 roster pool highlight her potential to become a cornerstone for Nebraska by 2027.
The significance of Omoruyi’s commitment lies in its timing and context. Nebraska, coming off a 33-3 season in 2024 as co-Big Ten champions and national semifinalists, transitioned from legendary coach John Cook to Busboom Kelly in 2025. Omoruyi’s pledge, alongside Norris setter Malorie Boesiger, the first 2027 commit, demonstrates Kelly’s recruiting prowess. A third commit, libero Pulelehua Laikona, also from Arizona Storm, followed a day later, suggesting Kelly is building a class with both star power and chemistry. Omoruyi’s choice over other top programs, including Texas A&M, was influenced by Nebraska’s culture, as depicted in the ESPN documentary “No Place Like Nebraska.” She cited Rebekah Allick’s words about playing for something bigger than oneself, saying, “I’ve always wanted to play for a huge fan base like this and be somebody people can rely on.”
For a 15-year-old balancing high school and club volleyball, Omoruyi’s early commitment reflects maturity and vision. Her Instagram announcement, wearing a Nebraska shirt borrowed from her club coach’s nephew, Husker football player Javin Wright, went viral, with posts on X from accounts like @Lincoln_VB and @Abby_Barmore amplifying the news. Her connection to Nebraska deepened through volleyball camps in Lincoln, where she experienced the Devaney Center’s electric atmosphere and top-tier facilities. “I always wanted to play at the highest level and win a national championship,” Omoruyi said, per the Omaha World-Herald.
This commitment elevates Nebraska’s 2027 class, continuing their tradition of landing No. 1 recruits like Harper Murray and Kennedi Orr. With Omoruyi’s size, skill, and drive, she’s poised to anchor the Huskers’ front line, potentially emulating Allick’s impact. As Lincoln celebrates, Omoruyi’s decision—made amidst algebra homework and weekend tournaments—marks her as a future star whose name will echo in Nebraska volleyball lore for years.
