All Conferences
Big Ten Conference
1 RankedThe Big Ten became a true power conference for baseball when USC and UCLA joined in 2024. Neither cracked the preseason Top 25, but both bring recruiting advantages and Pac-12 traditions. Michigan and Indiana remain the established powers, with Maryland and Nebraska rising.
1
Ranked Teams
18
Total Teams
UCLA
Top Team (#22)
Midwest (expanded)
Region
2026 Preseason Storylines
- 01USC and UCLA bring West Coast talent and traditions to Big Ten
- 02Michigan looks to reclaim Big Ten supremacy after rebuilding
- 03Indiana remains a threat with consistent program culture
- 04Nebraska's development under Will Bolt continues
- 05Maryland emerging as dark horse with quality pitching
Ranked Teams (1)
Other Conference Teams (17)
USC Trojans
First year in Big Ten—transition season
Michigan Wolverines
Erik Bakich returns program to prominence
Indiana Hoosiers
Jeff Mercer has built a consistent winner
Maryland Terrapins
Matt Swope developing pitching depth
Nebraska Cornhuskers
Will Bolt builds toward contention
Illinois Fighting Illini
Dan Hartleb works to stay competitive
Ohio State Buckeyes
Bill Mosiello in first years at helm
Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Steve Owens building in New Jersey
Penn State Nittany Lions
Rob Cooper develops program
Purdue Boilermakers
Greg Goff working toward competitiveness
Northwestern Wildcats
Jim Foster builds academic-athletic balance
Minnesota Golden Gophers
John Anderson in his final seasons
Iowa Hawkeyes
Rick Heller builds consistently
Michigan State Spartans
Jake Boss Jr. developing program
Wisconsin Badgers
Working to establish Big Ten presence
Oregon Ducks
Mark Wasikowski adjusts to Big Ten
Washington Huskies
New to Big Ten baseball
Rankings: D1Baseball preseason poll. Last updated: 3/17/2026, 2:24:04 PM CT