2022 Big Ten Conference Forecast

From January 3 through the beginning of the regular season, we’re going to take a look at every Division 1 conference and Forecast what to expect in each league this season. Today, we take a look at the Big 10 Conference.

I. Conference Breakdown

The Big 10 is the largest of the Power Five conferences, boasting fourteen members in total, all of whom play softball. Those programs include Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, Nebraska, Northwestern, Ohio State, Penn State, Purdue, Rutgers, and Wisconsin.

Last season, the Big 10 office limited the softball schedule to conference-only play, leaving the league as the most high-profile conference to play such a diminished schedule. Michigan won the conference regular-season title and were one of three Big 10 teams to be selected for the NCAA tournament; Minnesota and Northwestern were also selected to participate in the postseason. All three Big 10 teams were eliminated in the Regional round.

II. 2022 Award Predictions

Player of the Year: Rachel Lewis, Northwestern
Pitcher of the Year: Alex Storako, Michigan
Coach of the Year: Carol Hutchins, Michigan
Conference Champions: Michigan Wolverines

III. Who to Watch

*** Scroll down to get a team-by-team look at the Big 10 softball scene for 2022!

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