2025 Men’s Big Ten Fan Guide: Stacked Indiana Squad Set to Win 4th-Straight Title

2025 MEN’S BIG TEN CHAMPIONSHIPS

• Dates: Wednesday, February 26–Saturday, March 1
• Location: Jean K. Freeman Aquatic Center, Minneapolis, MN
• Defending champions: Indiana men (3x)
• Live Results
• Live Video
• Championship Central
• Fan Guide
• Teams: Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Northwestern, Ohio State, Penn State, Purdue, USC*, Wisconsin

EVENT SCHEDULE

Wednesday (2/26)

• 200 medley relay
• 800 free relay

Thursday (2/27)

• 500 freestyle
• 200 IM
• 50 freestyle
• 1-meter diving
• 400 medley relay

Friday (2/28)

• 100 butterfly
• 400 IM
• 200 freestyle
• 100 breaststroke
• 100 backstroke
• 3-meter diving
• 200 freestyle relay

Saturday (3/1)

• 1650 freestyle (timed finals)
• 200 backstroke
• 100 freestyle
• 200 breaststroke
• 200 butterfly
• Platform diving
• 400 freestyle relay

2024 FINAL TEAM SCORES

1. Indiana – 1520
2. Ohio State – 1226
3. Michigan – 1153.5
4. Wisconsin – 1044.5
5. Minnesota – 849.5
6. Northwestern – 725
7. Penn State – 683
8. Purdue – 651.5

2024 RECAP:

The Indiana Hoosiers won their 3rd-straight Men’s Big Ten title last year, winning the meet by a very comfortable margin. Ohio State came in 2nd, while Michigan rounded out the top 3.

STARS

INDIANA – Owen McDonald (JR – back/IM), Tomer Frankel (5th – free/fly), Rafael Miroslaw (SR – free), Josh Matheny (SR – breast), Zalan Sarkany (JR – free/IM), Carson Tyler (SR-diving)

This year’s Indiana roster is one of those teams where it feels impossible to pick a handful of stars to list here, since it seems nearly every swimmer on the roster is a star. Let’s start with some of the returning athletes.

Tomer Frankel is back for his final season with the Hoosiers. Last year, Frankel won the 100 fly (44.32), came in 2nd in the 200 fly (1:39.80), and 3rd in the 200 free (1:32.78) at Big Tens. He was also the runner-up in the 100 fly (43.85) at last year’s NCAAs, and holds the Big Ten Conference record with that performance. Frankel looks as good as ever this season, already having gone 45.11 in the 100 fly, 1:42.48 in the 200 fly, and 1:33.71 in the 200 free.

Rafael Miroslaw is another swimmer returning for his final season with Indiana. Miroslaw took 2nd in the 200 free (1:32.03), won the ‘B’ final of the 100 free (42.78), and finished 13th in the 50 free (19.69) at Big Tens. He’s been even better this season, however, entering this meet with a team high 41.99 in the 100 free from last month. He’s also been 1:31.94 in the 200 free, which is also the top time for IU this season. Last year, he competed in the 50 free at Big Tens, but it would seem he’s more likely to race the 500 free this season, as he’s already been 4:18.94 in the event this year.

Senior Josh Matheny is a big piece of the Indiana breaststroke group, which is even better than usual this season. Last year, Matheny came in 4th in the 100 breast (51.69) and 2nd in the 200 breast (1:51.50) at Big Tens. This season, he leads the team in the 200 breast with a season best of 1:50.31. His 100 breast season best of 51.15 comes in 3rd on the IU roster. Indiana also notably added Brian Benzing, who is using his 5th year of eligibility. Benzing was the runner-up in the 100 breast at last year’s NCAAs (50.59), and leads IU this season with a 51.03 in the event. Indiana also added Caspar Corbeau at mid season. Corbeau has already gone 51.49 in the 100 breast this season and 1:51.65 in the 200. Then, there’s Jassen Yep, another 5th year, who has already been 1:50.71 in the 200 breast this season and 51.59 in the 100 breast.

Carson Tyler is another returner for the Hoosiers, and one of the leaders of this team. Tyler is a senior and is coming off the best year of his career. Last year, Tyler won 3-meter and platform diving at Big Tens, also finishing 2nd in 1-meter. Tyler went on to win 3-meter and platform diving at NCAAs last year as well.

Moving into other key additions for the Hoosiers, Owen McDonald definitely needs to be mentioned. McDonald is one of the best backstrokers and IM’ers in the NCAA. Last year, when he was at Arizona State, he finished 2nd in the 200 IM (1:39.23), 3rd in the 200 back (1:36.63), and 6th in the 100 back (44.46) at NCAAs. McDonald has been 44.93 in the 100 back this season, 1:38.07 in the 200 back, 1:40.86 in the 200 IM, and 1:33.52 in the 200 free.

Zalan Sarkany is yet another big addition for the Hoosiers. Sarkany is the reigning NCAA champion in the 1650 free (14:30.57) and holds a career best of 14:23.01 in the event. He’s an elite 500 freestyler as well, holding a career best of 4:09.19, and is a strong 400 IM’er, having been as fast as 3:40.50. As far as this season goes, Sarkany has been 4:12.56 in the 500 free, 14:37.49 in the 1650 free, and 3:46.37 in the 400 IM.

MICHIGAN – Gal Cohen Groumi (SR – fly/free), Eitan Ben Shitrit (JR – IM), Bence Szabados (5th – free/fly), Jack Wilkening (JR – back), Tyler Ray (JR – fly), Lorne Wigginton (FR – IM)

Michigan more or less returns the same team of guys as last season, though they do have a couple key additions. Gal Groumi is in his senior season with the Wolverines, and is looking to be one of their leaders once again. At last year’s Big Tens, Groumi won the 200 IM (1:40.48) and 200 fly (1:39.60), also finishing 2nd in the 100 fly (44.60). This season Groumi has really come alive in the 100 free as well, having set the Michigan program record with a 41.75 at mid season. He’s also been 45.29 in the 100 fly, 1:43.91 in the 200 fly, and 1:42.39 in the 200 IM.

Backing up that fly group is junior Tyler Ray, who had a breakout season for the Wolverines last year. As a sophomore, Ray came in 3rd in the 100 fly (44.91), 4th in the 200 fly (1:40.80), and 7th in the 50 free (19.48). He’s continued that momentum into this season, already having gone 45.31 in the 100 fly, 1:42.36 in the 200 fly, and 19.32 in the 50 free.

Meanwhile, junior Eitan Ben Shitrit is another huge piece of the Michigan IM group. At last year’s meet, Ben Shitrit took 2nd in the 200 IM behind Groumi (1:42.26), 5th in the 200 back (1:42.41), and 6th in the 400 IM (3:44.06). Ben Shitrit hasn’t swum the 400 IM yet this season, but he leads the Wolverines in the 200 free (1:33.21), is 2nd in the 200 IM (1:42.71), and is 3rd in the 200 back (1:44.16).

While it remains to be seen whether Ben Shitrit will swim the 400 IM this season, the Wolverines are in good hands there with the additions of freshmen Lorne Wigginton and Jon Jontvedt. Wigginton, a Canadian Olympian, has already been 3:41.87 in the 400 IM this season, while Jontvedt has been 3:45.44. Both newcomers also race the 500 free, where Wigginton holds a season best of 4:17.51, while Jontvedt has been 4:18.95. It would appear Wigginton’s 3rd event is the 200 fly, where he’s been as fast as 1:44.47 this season, however, he’s also strong in the 200 free, boasting a season high of 1:34.01. On the other hand, Jonvedt’s best event is the 1650 free, where he’s been 14:48.20 already this season.

Jack Wilkening is back to lead the Michigan backstroke group once again. As a sophomore last year, Wilkening came in 3rd in the 200 back (45.57), won the ‘B’ final of the 200 back in 1:41.82, and won the ‘C’ final of the 50 free in 19.67. He’s been strong so far this season, holding a season best of 45.48 in the 100 back and 1:41.67 in the 200 back, both of which lead Michigan’s roster. He’s also made improvement in the 50 free, coming into the meet with a season best of 19.60.

Bence Szabados took his 5th year of eligibility to return to Michigan for one final season. Szabados is the reigning Big Ten champion in the 100 free, having won the event in 42.09 last year. He also came in 2nd in the 50 free with a 19.00, and won the ‘B’ final of the 100 fly in 46.05.

MINNESOTA – Bar Soloveychik (SR – free), Kaiser Neverman (5th – IM/fly/free), Jacob Johnson (FR – fly), Max Scheurer (SO – breast)

Kaiser Neverman is back for his 5th year with the Golden Gophers and is set to lead this team once again. Neverman was big for Minnesota last season, taking 3rd in the 200 IM (1:42.75), 12th in the 100 breast (52.98), and won the ‘B’ final of the 200 fly (1:42.47). He looks poised to make a big impact for the Golden Gophers again this year, leading the roster in the 200 IM (1:44.45) and 100 free (43.29), also holding season bests of 1:45.17 in the 200 fly and 53.39 in the 100 breast.

Senior Bar Soloveychik is back to lead the Minnesota distance squad once again. At last year’s Big Tens, Soloveychik took 2nd in the 500 free (4:11.49), 4th in the 200 free (1:33.66), and 2nd in the 1650 free (14:45.59). He leads the team in the 200 free (1:35.20), 500 free (4:17.14), and 1650 free (15:07.58) this season.

It appears Minnesota struck gold with freshman Jacob Johnson, who is their fastest flyer this season. Johnson holds a season best of 45.21 in the 100 fly from the Minnesota Invite, also having gone 1:41.56 in the 200 fly at that meet. Both those times stand as career bests for Johnson. He also is a strong 50 freestyler, having gone his career best of 19.82 at the Minnesota Invite a few months ago.

Sophomore Max Scheurer is a big piece to the breaststroke puzzle for Minnesota. This season, he leads the team in the 200 breast this season (1:54.03), and is the #2 100 breaststroker (52.92). Scheurer didn’t compete at Big Tens last season as a freshman, but he looks ready to make a considerable impact for the Golden Gophers this season. Joe Rudd is Minnesota’s top 100 breaststroker so far this season, holding a top time of 52.90.

NORTHWESTERN – David Gerchik (SO – back), Diego Nosack (SO – IM), Stuart Seymour (SO – free/back), Cade Duncan (SO – free), Tyler Lu (SR – breast/IM)

Sophomore Stuart Seymour is one of the brightest spots on this Northwestern roster. Seymour is a versatile sprinter for the Wildcats, holding team-leading times in the 50 free (19.45), 100 back (45.84), and 100 fly (46.72) this season. He’s also been 43.42 in the 100 free this year, which is 2nd on the roster. Seymour was successful last year as a freshman, taking 14th in the 100 fly (46.64), 13th in the 100 back (46.82), and 20th in the 200 back (1:44.05) at last year’s Big Tens. Given he’s been faster this season than last season in all his best events, Seymour should be one of Northwestern’s leaders at this meet.

Fellow sophomore Cade Duncan is another key sprinter for the Wildcats. Duncan is the top 100 freestyler on the roster this season by a wide margin, holding a season high of 42.55, which ranks 9th in the Big Ten. Duncan has also been 19.97 in the 50 free and 46.97 in the 100 fly already this season. He didn’t compete at Big Tens last year as a freshman, but it looks like Duncan should be a key contributor for the Wildcats this season. He holds a career best of 19.59 in the 50 free and a 1:36.03 in the 200 free, so those are options as well.

David Gerchik, another sophomore, is back to lead the Northwestern backstroke group. As a freshman last year, Gerchik came in 3rd in the 200 back (1:41.75) and won the ‘B’ final of the 100 back (46.55) at Big Tens. He’s been excellent so far this season, coming into the meet with a season best of 46.07 in the 100 back and 1:41.82 in the 200 back.

Yet another sophomore, Diego Nosack, is a key part of Northwestern’s roster once again. A true IM’er Nosack excels in a number of events. At last year’s Big Tens, Nosack won the ‘C’ final of the 200 IM (1:44.85), then finished 3rd in the 400 IM (3:42.69), and was 7th in the 200 fly (1:42.76). Heading into the meet, Nosack holds season bests of 1:45.59 in the 200 IM, 3:45.11 in the 400 IM, and 1:43.35 in the 200 fly.

Senior Tyler Lu is back for his final season with the Wildcats. Last year, Lu won the ‘B’ final of the 200 IM (1:43.64), 16th in the 100 breast (53.13), and 15th in the 200 back. Lu has been faster so far this season, already having gone 52.99 in the 100 breast and 1:56.45 in the 200 breast. He also holds a season best of 1:45.23 in the 200 IM, and has been 1:46.63 in the 200 back.

OHIO STATE – Sam Campbell (JR – distance free), Daniel Baltes (SR – free), Tristan Jankovics (JR – IM), Tomas Navikonis (JR – free), Clayton Chaplin (SR – diving)

Junior Tristan Jankovics is back to lead the Ohio State IM group. At last year’s Big Tens, Jankovics came in 4th in the 400 IM (3:43.04), 12th in the 200 IM (1:44.31), and 19th in the 200 back (1:43.85). Jankovics has been exceptional this season, leading the Buckeyes in the 200 IM (1:42.70) and 400 IM (3:39.05). His 400 IM notably leads the Big Ten by well over 2 seconds. Jankovics also leads Ohio State in the 200 breast this year with a 1:54.46.

Sam Campbell was one of Ohio State’s highest performing swimmers at last year’s Big Tens, and is back for his junior season. Campbell is the defending Big Ten champion in the 1650 free, having won the event in 14:42.63. He also finished 5th in the 400 IM (3:43.95) and 7th in the 500 free (4:19.08). Campbell doesn’t lead the 1650 for the Buckeyes this season, but he’s been 14:56.33. Alex Metzler holds the top time for Ohio State with a 14:55.50. Campbell has been 4:19.94 in the 500 free this season and holds a season best of 3:46.00 in the 400 IM.

Tomas Navikonis is another defending Big Ten champion who is back for the Buckeyes. Navikonis won the 200 free at last year’s meet, swimming a 1:32.01. He’s already been faster than that this season, entering the meet with a 1:31.55, which also leads the Big Ten. Navikonis also holds a season best of 4:17.86 in the 500 free, and leads Ohio State this season with a 42.26 in the 100 free.

Senior Daniel Baltes is looking like a force to be reckoned with in the sprints. Baltes is the top 50 freestyler on the roster to this point in the season, holding a season best of 19.06. He’s also ranked highly in the 100 free, having been 43.33 in that event.

Clayton Chaplin is back for his senior season with the Buckeyes and looking to lead their diving group. Chaplin is coming off an extremely successful junior season, wherein he finished 6th in 1-meter, 7th in 3-meter, and 6th in 3-meter at Big Tens.

PENN STATE – Victor Baganha (SR – free/fly), Mariano Lazzerini (JR – breast), Cooper Morley (JR – back), Tylor Kim (SO – free), Alexander Karahalis (SO – IM/fly)

After a very successful freshman season, Tylor Kim is back for his sophomore campaign with the Nittany Lions. Kim leads the team this season in the 50 free (19.55), 100 free (42.94), and 200 free (1:35.17). Last year, Kim came in 11th in the 200 free at Big Tens, swimming a 1:35.91. He also took 24th in the 50 free (20.26) and 26th in the 100 free (44.33). Considering his season bests are all faster this year than he swam at Big Tens last year, it looks like Kim should be a huge asset for Penn State this year.

Junior Cooper Morley is once again there to lead the Penn State back group. Morley finished 2nd in the 100 back (45.27) and 7th in the 200 back (1:42.50) at last year’s Big Tens, also coming in 19th in the 50 free (19.83). He’s looked great this year, holding a season best of 45.72 in the 100 back, 1:41.70 in the 200 back, and 19.98 in the 50 free. Morley also leads Penn State this season with a 46.14 in the 100 fly, so he may pull the 100 fly/100 back double this week.

Mariano Lazzerini, another junior, is back to lead the breaststroke group for Penn State. Lazzerini is the defending Big Ten champion in the 100 breast, having won the event in 51.08 last year. He also came in 5th in the 200 breast with a 1:52.94, and 16th in the 50 free with a 19.77. So far this season, Lazzerini has been 52.52 in the 100 breast, 1:54.46 in the 200 breast, and 20.23 in the 50 free.

Senior Victor Baganha is back for his final season with the Nittany Lions. Baganha was great at last year’s Big Tens, where he finished 3rd in the 50 free (19.14), 5th in the 100 fly (45.43), and 4th in the 100 free (42.41). Baganha has been off those times this season, but still represents a serious threat in all those races. His season bests are 19.88 in the 50 free, 44.05 in the 100 free, and 46.56 in the 100 fly.

Sophomore Alexander Karahalis has been a revelation for Penn State this season. As a freshman last year, he came in 19th in the 200 fly (1:46.16), 18th in the 400 IM (3:49.95), and 30th in the 200 IM (1:47.60) at Big Tens. He’s been significantly faster this season, coming into the meet with season highs of 1:44.58 in the 200 fly, 1:44.60 in the 200 IM, and 3:50.87 in the 400 IM.

PURDUE – Brady Samuels (SR-free/fly/back), Jordan Rzepka (SR – diving), Sam Bennett (JR – diving), Blake Rowe (FR – back), Matheo Mateos (GR – IM)

Brady Samuels continues to be the leading man for the Purdue swim team. Now in his senior season, Samuels is putting up great times this year. He leads Purdue in the 50 free (19.33), 100 free (42.27), 200 free (1:33.74), 100 back (46.74), and 100 fly (45.27). Of note, his 100 fly is ranked 4th in the Big Ten this season and his 100 free 6th. At last year’s Big Tens, Samuels came in 10th in the 50 free (19.58), 7th in the 100 back (46.11), and 5th in the 100 free (42.50).

Matheo Mateos is a key addition for the Boilermakers. After spending his undergrad at Lindenwood, Mateos is now a grad student at Purdue. He leads the Boilermakers in both IM events this season, holding season bests of 1:46.29 in the 200 IM and 3:49.47 in the 400 IM. His career best is 1:45.58 in the 200 IM, while he’s been 3:48.84 in the 400.

Freshman Blake Rowe looks like a star in the making for Purdue as well. The freshman leads Purdue’s roster in the 200 back, where he boasts a season best of 1:42.38. He’s a strong 100 backstroker as well, having been 48.07 this season. Both those performances mark career bests for Rowe.

Of course, Purdue is one of the premier diving programs in the NCAA as well. Jordan Rzepka is back for his senior season with the Boilermakers. Rzepka was huge for Purdue at last year’s Big Tens, finishing 4th in 1-meter, 3rd in 3-meter, and 2nd in platform diving, which made him Purdue’s highest scoring athlete at the meet. Sam Bennett is also back for Purdue after redshirting last season due to injury. Back at the 2023 Big Ten Championships, Bennett was a ‘B’ finalist in all 3 diving events.

USC – Diggory Dillingham (FR – free), Luke Maurer (GR – free/IM), Oliver Sogaard-Anderson (FR – free), Krzysztof Chmielewski (SO – free/IM/fly), Ben Dillard (GR – breast), Michal Chmielewski (SO – fly)

After spending his undergrad at Stanford, Luke Maurer took his 5th year of eligibility to transfer to USC, where he is training under head coach Lea Maurer, who is also his mother. Maurer is a terrific sprinter, having been an ‘A’ finalist in all 3 of his events at last year’s Pac-12 Championships, including taking 6th in the 200 free (1:32.90), 7th in the 200 IM (1:43.86), and 8th in the 100 free (42.20). He looks as good as ever, holding season bests of 42.50 in the 100 free, 1:33.23 in the 200 free, and 1:42.57 in the 200 IM, with a 19.68 in the 50 free to boot.

Oliver Sogaard-Anderson, a freshman, will be a critical piece for the Trojans as well. There’s a lot of overlap between Sogaard-Anderson and Maurer, as both are 100/200 freestylers. Sogaard-Anderson holds a season best of 1:32.66 in the 200 free, which leads USC’s roster this year and is 3rd in the Big Ten. He’s also been 42.69 in the 100 free, sitting right behind Maurer in USC’s depth chart. Sogaard-Anderson falls more on the side of mid-distance than pure sprint, however, as he’s also USC’s top 500 freestyler this season, already having gone 4:15.96 in the event, which ranks 5th in the conference.

He and sophomore Krzysztof Chmielewski will make a great duo in the 500 free for the Trojans this week. Chmielewski is right behind Sogaard-Anderson in the 500 free this season, holding a season high of 4:16.25. At last year’s Pac-12 Championships, Chmielewski was 2nd in the 1650 free (14:39.64) and 4th in the 200 fly (1:42.01), also going on to finish 4th in the 1650 at NCAAs (14:39.10). So far this year, Chmielewski has been 14:53.61 in the 1650 free and 1:41.52 in the 200 fly.

Chmielewski’s brother, Michal Chmielewski, also a sophomore, is right behind him in the 200 fly this season, holding a season best of 1:41.61. They are 2nd and 4th respectively in the Big Ten this season with those times. Michal is also USC’s leading 100 flyer through this point in the season, holding a season best of 46.21. He also holds the top 100 back time on the roster with a 47.00.

Ben Dillard is back to lead this breaststroke group once again. Dillard didn’t have his best meet at last year’s Pac-12 Championships, but he has looked great so far this season, already having gone 1:52.09 in the 200 breast and 52.11 in the 100 breast. He’s also a strong 200 IM’er, where he’s been 1:43.55 this year.

Freshman Diggory Dillingham looks like an exciting addition for the Trojans. Dillingham has been 19.62 in the 50 free this season, also having been 44.39 in the 100 free. His career best in the 50 is 19.52, while he’s been as fast as 43.47 in the 100 free.

WISCONSIN – Dominik Mark Torok (JR – IM/fly), Nathan Welker (SO – back/fly/IM), Tai Torepe-Ormsby (JR – free), Yigit Aslan (senior – free), Chris Morris (SR – free/IM)

Tai Torepe-Ormsby is back to lead this Wisconsin sprint squad again. The junior is the defending big Ten champion in the 50 free, having won the event in 18.76 at last year’s meet. He went on to finish 2nd in the 100 free with a 42.10, also taking 2oth in the 100 fly with a 47.29. So far this season, Torepe-Ormsby has been 19.28 in the 50 free, 42.82 in the 100 free, and 47.34 in the 100 fly.

Senior Chris Morris looks like he’ll be a critical part of the Wisconsin sprint squad as well. He’s been 42.91 in the 100 free, which is right behind Torepe-Ormsby. He’s also Wisconsin’s leading 200 freestyler this season, having been as fast as 1:33.65. Morris tops the roster in the 200 IM as well with his season best of 1:43.87. At last year’s meet, Morris came in 7th in the 200 IM (1:43.72), 5th in the 200 free (1:33.77), and 11th in the 100 free (43.04).

Junior Dominik Mark Torok will team up with Morris to make a formidable 200 IM duo for the Badgers. Mark Torok is the defending Big Ten champion in the 400 IM, having won the event in 3:41.69 at last year’s Big Tens. He also came in 8th in the 200 IM (1:44.34) and 6th in the 200 IM (1:42.01). Mark Torok has been 1:43.80 in the 200 fly this season, as well as 1:43.89 in the 200 IM, and 3:41.57 in the 400 IM.

Wisconsin returns another defending Big Ten champion in Yigit Alsan. Now a senior, Aslan is the defending champion in the 500 free, having won the race in 4:11.20 at last year’s meet. He also came in 5th in the 1650 free (14:55.20) and 10th in the 200 free (1:34.74). This season, Aslan has been 15:01.46 in the 1650 free, 4:17.07 in the 500 free, and 1:35.39 in the 200 free.

Sophomore Nathan Welker is Wisconsin’s leading backstroker this season. As a freshman last season, Welker came in 10th in the 100 back (46.56), 14th in the 200 back (1:43.77), and 22nd in the 100 fly (47.23) at Big Tens. He’s been great in his sophomore season, entering this meet with season bests of 46.67 in the 100 back, 1:43.16 in the 200 back, and 46.97 in the 100 fly.

RACES TO WATCH

200 Free

The 200 free should be a great race on Friday night, as every swimmer from last year’s ‘A’ final returned this season, and some key newcomers were added to the conference. On top of that, last year’s race was a tight one, so this should really be one of the more entertaining races of the meet.

Defending champion Tomas Navikonis is back for Ohio State this year after winning the race in 1:32.01 last season. Navikonis has already been faster this season, coming into the meet with a season high of 1:31.55, which leads the conference.

After finishing 2nd at last year’s meet, Indiana’s Rafael Miroslaw is back and, like Navikonis, he’s been faster this year as well. Miroslaw came in 2nd with a 1:32.03 last year, and has already been 1:31.94 this season, which coincidentally puts him 2nd in the conference this season behind Navikonis.

IU teammate Tomer Frankel clocked a 1:32.78 for 3rd last year and has been 1:33.71 this season.

Michigan’s Eitan Ben Shitrit looks like a force to be reckoned with in the event as well. Ben Shitrit didn’t compete in the event at last year’s Big Tens, but he’s been 1:33.21 already this season, which will set him up as the 4th seed this week.

USC’s Oliver Sogaard-Anderson is a newcomer to the conference, also a freshman, and has been very impressive this season, having been 1:32.66. Fellow Trojan Luke Maurer is a real threat as well, having been 1:33.23 this season. Maurer holds a career best of 1:32.40.

100 Breast

The 100 breast ought to be a fun event to watch this weekend. Let’s start with the Indiana piece of it. There are 6 swimmers in the Big Ten who have gone under 52 seconds in the 100 breast this season, and 5 of them swim for Indiana. Brian Benzing, the runner-up in the event at last year’s NCAAs, leads the way with a 51.03, while Finn Brooks is 51.13, Josh Matheny is 51.15, Caspar Corbeau is 51.49, and Jassen Yep is 51.59. The Hoosiers also have 3 swimmers who have been 52 seconds this season.

While that makes it seem as though Indiana will simply dominate the 100 breast, that’s not necessarily a given. USC has a strong contingent of breaststrokers, led by Junhao Chan, who has been 51.79 this season. Chris O’Grady comes in with a 52.08, and Ben Dillard has been 52.11 this season.

Outside of that, there’s defending Big Ten champion Mariano Lazzerini of Penn State, who managed to win this event in 51.08 at last year’s meet despite facing an Indiana squad that was also very tough.

100 Free

The 100 free is another event that should be very interesting this week. Like the 200 free, every swimmer from last year’s ‘A’ final returns this season, so that makes this event very competitive in itself. Michigan’s Bence Szabados is the defending champion, having won the race in 42.09 last year. Szabados has only been 43.13 in the 100 this season, but he’s been consistent for the Wolverines for 5 years now, so there’s no reason to think he won’t show up big for them this week.

The leading swimmer in the conference this season is another Wolverine, Gal Groumi. Historically, Groumi has swum the 200 fly on that day of the meet, and he’s actually the defending champion in the 200 fly. We don’t yet know what Groumi is going to do with his event on that day, but Michigan is deeper in the 200 fly than they are in the 100 free, so he may well make the switch to the 100 free this year despite being the reigning 200 fly champ. Groumi has been 41.75 this season, which also marks the Michigan program record in the event.

Indiana’s Rafael Miroslaw is the only other swimmer to have been under 42 seconds this season. Miroslaw, who wound up winning the ‘B’ final in 42.78 last season, has already been 41.99 in the event this year. Indiana also has Matt King, a transfer from Virginia, in the fold this year. King has been 42.04 this season, and holds a career best of 41.34, which is the fastest in this field. Dylan Smiley, another Hoosier, has already been 42.54 this season.

Although the 200 free is his best event, Ohio State’s Tomas Navikonis is a strong contender in the 100 free as well, having been 42.26 this season. Navikonas was 3rd in the race last year, finishing with a 42.22.

Wisconsin’s Tai Torepe-Ormsby came in 2nd in the event last year with a 42.10, and has been 42.82 this year.

Purdue’s Brady Samuels looks excellent here as well. Samuels clocked a 42.26 back in December, and holds a career best of 41.99.

SWIMSWAM’S PICKS

1. Indiana
2. Michigan
3. Ohio State
4. USC
5. Wisconsin
6. Minnesota
7. Penn State
8. Purdue
9. Northwestern

Indiana looks like the heavy favorite to win this year’s meet, which would make it 4 in a row for the Hoosiers. They have the strongest swimming roster and diving roster in the conference, which makes them quite the force.

Michigan and Ohio State look like they should be locked in a good battle for 2nd this year. It seems that Michigan has a slight advantage in the pool, while Ohio State will certainly outscore them in diving. That dynamic should make for the thrilling race.

Newcomer to the conference USC could also make some noise in their first Big Tens.