Does Taylor Landfair Make Nebraska Volleyball Unfair?

The 2023 National Championship game was played between two storied programs, defending champs Texas and youthful Nebraska team. The game ended in a surprisingly dominate win from the Longhorns, a disappointing finish of a historic season for Nebraska volleyball. The season saw Nebraska break the women's attendance record in September, beat out Wisconsin for the Big Ten title, and march their way to the National Title game. Yet, the Cornhusker coaching staff were obviously not satisfied and brought in former Big Ten Player of the Year Taylor Landfair.

After an impressive 2022 sophomore year, the 6 foot 5 inch outside hitter was awarded Player of the Year as well as being voted to be a First Team All-American. She transfers to Nebraska for her Senior season and seemingly replaces the Outside Hitter position vacated with the departure of Allly Batenhorst to USC.

What Does Landfair Bring to Lincoln?

Offense:

The raw physical presence on the left side position from Landfair reminds me of reigning Big Ten Player of the Year Sarah Franklin. Both players have the ability to spray the ball cross-court, having the range to go sharp cross or deep into the back corners. Additionally, both players have the ability to score without a typical approach, using their size and length to still have effective swings. Franklin uses her amazing ball control and placement, while Landfair uses her power around, over, and even through blocks to score.

The key area of growth for Landfair is her swing consistency. Mentioned above, her approach can be slow at times, leading her to struggle with poor sets and keep her team behind in the rally with swings that do not put pressure on the opposing side. Furthermore, ability to track transition sets can lead her to give up on high balls that over hitters may still be aggressive with.

Defense:

Her blocking on the defensive side of the net is something that sticks out in her game. She has very good timing and physicality. She has the length to reach both the right side and middle hitters even if she is late with her jump. Off of the net, her reactions and floor coverage when she is locked in is extremely impressive. She has the ability to dig bullets coming at her or chase down balls in either corner. Overall, when Landfair elevates her play, she can completely change a match with her blocking.

Her focus can be inconsistent and lead to her getting caught behind plays. As well as experienced right sides can take advantage of her inconsistent outside hand when she does not finish both hands over the net, opening her to block out shots. Though she can make impressive plays from her platform, her playmaking on balls above her head can be lacking.

How Does Landfair Fit With Nebraska?

Nebraska's Offense:

First of all, Landfair is expected to replace departing Ally Batenhorst in the starting lineup. I expect Nebraska to move Landfair into the L1 position, meaning she will primarily be used in two hitter situations with the setter in the front row. This would move Harper Murray into the L2, where she could be paired with Merritt Beason for two rotations (Murray hit .260 with Beason and .223 without Beason).

The key difference between Nebraska's offense to Minnesota is the set tempo, Minnesota being known as one of the faster tempos in the country. Setter to hitter combinations are extremely important, luckily for Landfair, her transition should be aided by playing with Big Ten Setter of the Year Bergen Reilly. A setter that thrives with her setting consistency, using her quickness to keep her hitters in system. The set location will be the biggest questions for me, Landfair thrives with tighter sets compared to smaller, more athletic Harper Murray who plays further off the net.

Nebraska's Defense:

The Cornhusker's defense was impeccable last season, in large part because of their backcourt defense. I expect to see Landfair be subbed for with defensive specialist Laney Choboy which could remove defensive concerns with Landfair as a six rotation player. Allowing her to exert her impact and energy at the net, where he length could be extremely effective in Nebraska's bunch read blocking scheme. I believe her impact on the defensive end will shine through in big time matches against high level right side hitters.

Should Nebraska Be the National Title Favorites?

The bottom line is, despite losing only two matches, Nebraska needed more firepower with the Big Ten expanding. And the addition of Landfair is just that, Landfair hit .306 in nine games against top ten opponents in the 2022 season, a number that looms large when compared to Batenhorst .153 against top ten opponents. Overall, the young and talented Nebraska Cornhuskers just cemented themselves as the clear Title favorites.