Who Plays Big Ten Softball?

Data Driven Roster Analysis for Players and Coaches

October 15, 2024

Are you a high school softball player aiming for a spot in the Big Ten Conference? Or perhaps you’re a coach, parent, or fan interested in the composition of Big Ten teams? Whether you're planning for a future in collegiate softball or just curious about the talent within the conference, this analysis will give you an inside look.

This information is based on current rosters for the 2024-2025 school year, providing a detailed look at where Big Ten players come from and how the conference shapes its recruiting landscape.

How Tall Are Big Ten Softball Players?

The average height of all players in the Big Ten is 5’7”, with non-pitchers being slightly shorter (under 5’7” on average) than pitchers (averaging just over 5’8”). Pitchers (including those who play other positions) make up 26% of Big Ten softball rosters.

Where Do Big Ten Players Come From?

The Big Ten recruits players from across the U.S., with a significant concentration in the Midwest. Here’s a breakdown of the player distribution by region:

  • Midwest: 41%

  • West: 31%

  • South: 21%

  • Northeast: 7%

Unsurprisingly, given the geographic location of the majority of Big Ten schools, the Midwest has the largest representation. However, the West also contributes a substantial portion of players, particularly from California, while the South also has a meaningful presence. The Northeast has the smallest share, but still sends some players to the Big Ten, mostly to Rutgers and Penn St., which are located in that census region.

Most Represented Home States

Here are the top states supplying Big Ten softball players:

  • California: 21.3% of all players

  • Illinois: 7.4%

  • Indiana: 7.1%

  • Michigan: 6.6%

  • Texas: 5.3%

  • Ohio: 4.7%

  • Iowa: 4.0%

  • Florida: 3.2%

  • Arizona: 3.2%

California leads the pack with over 21% of players, making it a significant contributor to Big Ten rosters. The addition of UCLA, which has a predominantly in-state roster, is a big factor in that number. But most Big Ten teams have multiple players from the Golden State. (The University of Southern California, another recent Big Ten add for other sports, doesn’t have an NCAA intercollegiate softball team.)

The Midwest states like Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan are also well represented, reflecting the local recruitment focus. Most Big Ten schools have multiple in-state players on their rosters. States such as Texas and Florida, with strong softball traditions, contribute a smaller but notable number of players despite not being home to any Big Ten schools.

Playing In-State

Around 30% of Big Ten softballers are attending a school in their home state.

A majority of the players from Michigan, Indiana, and Iowa are playing for an in-state program. Though well represented on the Illinois, UCLA, and Ohio St. rosters, respectively, many players from Illinois, California, and Ohio have gone out of state while staying in the Big Ten.

Here are the states with the largest number of Big Ten players staying in-state for college:

  • Michigan: 64% of players stay in-state

  • Iowa: 53%

  • Indiana: 52%

  • Illinois: 43%

  • California: 26%

  • Ohio: 22%

Michigan has the highest percentage of in-state players (at the University of Michigan and Michigan St.). Other Midwest states like Iowa and Indiana (Indiana University and Purdue) also see a high percentage of their players staying in-state.

Breaking It Down by School

Each Big Ten program has its own recruiting strategy, with some focusing heavily on in-state talent and others casting a wider net. Here’s a look at the most represented states for each team:

  • Illinois: Illinois (10), Texas (3), Michigan/Ohio/Indiana/Kansas (2 each)

  • Indiana: Indiana (10), West Virginia (2), seven other states (1 each)

  • Iowa: Iowa (8), California (8), Arizona (3)

  • Maryland: Maryland (5), Pennsylvania/Texas/California (3 each)

  • Michigan: Michigan (9), California (3), Ohio (2)

  • Michigan State: Michigan (7), Indiana (3), Texas (2)

  • Minnesota: California (4), Minnesota (4), Iowa/Florida/Kentucky (2 each)

  • Nebraska: Nebraska (9), California (8), Arizona/Kansas (2 each)

  • Northwestern: Michigan (4), California/Indiana/Ohio/Illinois/Wisconsin (2 each)

  • Ohio State: California (8), Ohio (4), Georgia/Pennsylvania (2 each)

  • Oregon: California (11), Nevada (3), Oregon (3)

  • Penn State: Pennsylvania (5), California (5), Ohio (3)

  • Purdue: Texas (4), Indiana (4), Alabama (3)

  • Rutgers: New Jersey (3), North Carolina (3), New York (3)

  • UCLA: California (21), Arizona/Texas/Georgia (1 each)

  • Washington: Washington (8), California (4), 8 states (1 each)

  • Wisconsin: Illinois (8), Wisconsin (7), Iowa/Indiana (2 each)

What the Numbers Mean for Aspiring Players

The Big Ten offers opportunities for softball players from across the United States, with recruiting trends reflecting a balance of local and national talent. While the Midwest is the most represented region, the presence of players from the West, South, and even the Northeast shows that the conference values diverse sources of talent.

If you’re an aspiring player, understanding these trends can help you navigate the recruiting landscape. While being from a softball-rich state like California or a local state like Michigan may give you an advantage, players from anywhere in the country can succeed in the Big Ten with the right skills and work ethic.

How does the Big Ten compare to other conferences?

Stay tuned. More conference breakdowns to come!