Meet the Rising College Athletes Making Waves in 2023

College sports have never been more popular. The athletes in these programs aren’t just shaping the future—they’re making a real impact right now.

These young stars are redefining what it means to be a student-athlete. They bring fresh energy, serious dedication, and a global audience to college sports.

From volleyball to basketball, they’re making headlines and raising the bar. Let’s take a look at some of the rising stars in college sports, their achievements, and the influence they’re having on the game.

Rising Stars in College Volleyball

Olivia Babcock: The Powerhouse Right-Side Hitter

Olivia Babcock, a sophomore right-side hitter at the University of Pittsburgh, had a breakout 2024 season. She picked up honors like AVCA National Player of the Year, ACC Player of the Year, and AVCA East Coast Region Player of the Year.

She became the first female athlete in Pitt history to receive an ESPY nomination for Best College Athlete in Women’s Sports. Babcock’s powerful hitting and all-around athleticism made her a standout, especially with that wild 32-kill match against Louisville and a triple-double against Boston College with 12 service aces.

Key Achievements:

• AVCA National Player of the Year
• ACC Player of the Year
• First female athlete in Pitt history to receive an ESPY nomination

Bergen Reilly: The Precision Setter

Bergen Reilly, a setter from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, is one of the top names at the University of Nebraska. She’s earned Big Ten Setter of the Year and AVCA All-American honors.

Reilly’s known for her sharp precision, leadership, and consistency. She averages over 11 assists per set and has played for both youth and senior USA national teams, even picking up MVP and Best Setter at the Pan Am Cup.

Key Achievements:

• Big Ten Setter of the Year
• AVCA All-American
• MVP and Best Setter at the Pan Am Cup

Basketball Prodigies Making Headlines

AJ Dybantsa: The Future NBA Star

AJ Dybantsa, a forward for BYU, is already on track to be a lottery pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. He transferred high schools several times to chase tougher competition and push his game further.

Dybantsa got 34 Division I scholarship offers but picked BYU over schools like Alabama, North Carolina, and Kansas. He’s the first five-star recruit from the U.S. to sign with BYU, and he led the USA U19 Men’s National Team to gold at the 2025 FIBA U19 World Cup, snagging tournament MVP honors.

Key Achievements:

• First five-star recruit from the U.S. to sign with BYU
• USA U19 Men’s National Team MVP
• Projected lottery pick in the 2026 NBA Draft

Hannah Hidalgo: The Fast-Rising Guard

Hannah Hidalgo, a guard for Notre Dame, is quickly becoming one of the biggest names in women’s basketball. She dominated at Paul VI High School in New Jersey, then took her game to Notre Dame, averaging over 22 points per game as a freshman and leading the nation in steals.

Hidalgo’s sophomore year has been just as impressive, with ACC honors and First-Team All-American recognition piling up.

Key Achievements:

• ACC honors and First-Team All-American recognition
• Averaged over 22 points per game as a freshman
• Led the nation in steals

Track and Field Sensations

Sam Hurley: The Versatile Athlete

Sam Hurley, from Fayetteville, Arkansas, competes in pole vault and high jump at Texas Tech. He’s hit personal bests of 5.52 meters in pole vault and 2.21 meters in high jump.

Hurley won multiple events in the 2024–25 season, including the Arkansas Invitational, and he’s consistently placed high at major meets like the SEC Championships. His move to Texas Tech feels like a turning point for his career.

Key Achievements:

• Personal best of 5.52 meters in pole vault
• Personal best of 2.21 meters in high jump
• Winner of multiple events in the 2024–25 season

Football Phenoms

Arch Manning: The Legacy Quarterback

Arch Manning, nephew of Peyton and Eli and grandson of Archie, is making his own mark at Texas University. He was the top quarterback recruit in the 2023 class and redshirted his freshman year, spending time developing behind the scenes.