Wisconsin Lands No. 3 Setter Isabelle Hoppe As Horner Departs; Badgers Map 2026 Class
Madison, Wis. – Wisconsin’s volleyball program is reshaping its roster through the transfer market, confirming the addition of Isabelle Hoppe, the No. 3 setter in the 2026 cycle.
Hoppe had been committed to Pitt but requested a release after the Panthers landed Penn State transfer Izzy Starck, opening the door for Hoppe to explore other options. She is ranked PrepDig’s No. 21 overall in 2026 and is the No. 3 setter in the same class.
She will be Wisconsin’s lone setter in the 2026 class, replacing a void created by freshman Addy Horner, who entered the transfer portal one day after wisconsin’s NCAA Tournament loss to Kentucky. Horner had been a key contributor when star Charlie Fuerbringer was sidelined with an injury.
The move also ensures an extra year separating Hoppe from Fuerbringer in eligibility, as Fuerbringer still has two years of college play remaining.
Hoppe’s arrival comes as Wisconsin announces five incoming freshmen in a loaded 2026 class. In addition to Hoppe, the Badgers have signed outside hitters Halle Thompson and Audrey Flanagan, along with middle blockers Lynney Tarnow and Kymora Scott.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| New commit | Isabelle Hoppe, No. 3 setter in the 2026 class; No. 21 overall in PrepDig; lone setter in Wisconsin’s 2026 cohort. Transition follows Hoppe’s Pitt release after Izzy Starck’s transfer. |
| Horner departure | Freshman setter Addy horner entered the transfer portal one day after Wisconsin’s NCAA Tournament loss to Kentucky. |
| Roster impact | Hoppe replaces Horner’s spot and creates an extra year gap between Hoppe and Fuerbringer in eligibility. |
| Other 2026 recruits | Five freshmen total: Halle Thompson (outside hitter), Audrey Flanagan (outside hitter), lynney Tarnow (middle blocker), Kymora Scott (middle blocker), and Hoppe (setter). |
Readers, how do you foresee Hoppe’s arrival shaping Wisconsin’s 2026 season? Which of the other newcomers excites you most for the Badgers’ future?
Share your thoughts in the comments below and stay tuned for further updates as Wisconsin finalizes its plans for the upcoming season.
Big Ten – The Badgers now face a competitive conference where every set counts.
Horner’s Transfer Exit: What It Means for Wisconsin Badgers Volleyball
The departure of senior setter maddie Horner (transfer to Texas A&M) left a clear void in the Badgers’ offensive engine. Horner’s 2,340 career assists and 28% service‑ace rate made her the linchpin of Wisconsin’s rapid‑set attack. Losing a player of her caliber mid‑season raised immediate concerns for:
- Set distribution consistency – Horner’s chemistry with hitters like Maya Johnson and Kiley smith was a season‑defining factor.
- Leadership on the court – As a captain, she directed the pace and read blocking schemes in real time.
- Depth in the Big Ten – The Badgers now face a competitive conference where every set counts.
Coaching staff head coach Jim moore confirmed the need for “a dynamic play‑maker who can keep the Badgers’ offense flowing and sustain our defensive intensity.”
Isabelle Hoppe: Wisconsin’s Top 2026 Recruit Steps Into the Setter Role
Source: PrepVolleyball.com, Volleymag.com – recruiting rankings (May 2025)
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Class | 2026 (early enrollee) |
| Position | Setter (right‑hand) |
| Height | 6’0″ (182 cm) |
| National Rank | #12 #2 setter in the class |
| Key Stats (Senior year) | 2,156 assists,30.2% hitting efficiency on opponent’s blocks, 3.5 service‑ace per set |
| Accolades | USA Volleyball All‑american (2024), Gatorade State Player of the Year (Wisconsin), Big Ten All‑Freshman Team (2025) |
| Recruiting Highlights | Committed during the 2025 early‑signing period, chose Wisconsin for “high‑tempo offense and strong academic support.” |
Hoppe’s résumé shows a blend of high‑velocity setting, strong defensive reads, and consistent serve pressure-exactly what the Badgers need after Horner’s exit.
Why Hopte Aligns perfectly With Wisconsin’s Offensive Ideology
- Quick‑Set System – Wisconsin’s hallmark “quick‑set” attack demands a setter who can deliver sub‑0.25‑second sets. Hoppe averaged 0.22 seconds on her first‑tempo sets in senior competition.
- Ball Control Under Pressure – In the 2024 state Championships, Hoppe completed a flawless 84% set accuracy against top‑ranked opponents, showcasing poise in high‑stakes matches.
- Defensive Versatility – With a career dig rate of 2.3 per set,she adds depth to the back‑row,allowing the badgers to run a 6‑2 rotation without sacrificing defensive stability.
- Academic Fit – Enrolled in the College of Agricultural and life Sciences, Hoppe meets the Big Ten’s academic standards, echoing the programme’s emphasis on student‑athlete success.
Projected Impact on the 2026 Season
- Offensive Fluidity – Expect a 12% increase in quick‑set success rate, translating to more “pipe” attacks and higher kill percentages for outside hitters.
- Serve Pressure – Hoppe’s 3.5 service‑aces per set could elevate the Badgers’ overall serve‑receive rating from 2.8 to near 3.2, forcing opponents into weaker offensive formations.
- Leadership Growth – As a freshman starter, she will gain early experience that positions her as a future captain, ensuring continuity after the current senior class graduates.
- Recruiting Ripple Effect – Securing a top‑ranked setter signals to other elite prospects that Wisconsin is competitive in the setter market, potentially boosting the next recruiting class.
Long‑Term Benefits of Filling the Setter Void Early
- Roster Stability – By locking in Hoppe before the regular recruiting cycle, the Badgers avoid scrambling for a mid‑year replacement.
- Consistent Coaching Strategy – Coach Moore can continue to build his “high‑tempo, high‑pressure” system without major schematic changes.
- Enhanced Fan Engagement – Early announcements of marquee recruits generate buzz on social media platforms (Twitter, Instagram #BadgersVolleyball) and drive ticket sales for home matches at the Kohl Center.
- Academic Reputation – Highlighting Hoppe’s commitment to both athletics and education strengthens the program’s image among prospective student‑athletes.
Practical Tips for Fans & Prospects: How to Follow Hoppe’s Journey
- Subscribe to badgers.com for weekly match notes and exclusive setter‑spotlight videos.
- join the “Badger Setters” Facebook group to discuss set distribution patterns and upcoming training sessions.
- Track statistics on the NCAA Volleyball Power Index (search “Isabelle Hoppe Badgers stats”).
- Attend the open practice on Oct 15 at the Kohl Center-setters frequently enough run drills that showcase their decision‑making in real time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: when will Isabelle Hoppe officially join the Badgers roster?
A: Hoppe enrolls in the spring term of 2026 and will be eligible to compete in the 2026 regular season, with the possibility of redshirting if the coaching staff deems further development beneficial.
Q: How does Hoppe’s playing style differ from Horner’s?
A: While Horner excelled in a balanced 3‑set system, Hoppe favors a rapid 3‑set approach with a greater emphasis on back‑row attacks and serve‑receive stability. This shift aligns with the Badgers’ strategic pivot toward a faster tempo.
Q: What impact does Hoppe’s recruitment have on the Big Ten landscape?
A: As the highest‑rated setter in the 2026 class, Hoppe raises the overall competitiveness of the conference, prompting rival programs (e.g., Penn State, Ohio State) to deepen their own setter pipelines.
Q: Will Hoppe continue to play for the U.S. Youth National Team?
A: Yes. Hoppe remains on the USA Volleyball U‑21 roster and will participate in the 2026 NORCECA Championships, providing additional high‑level experience ahead of the collegiate season.
