2022 Big Ten Season Preview • D1Baseball
The Big Ten is back to playing a full schedule, and we dissect the league's teams and prospects entering 2022.
2022 Big Ten Season Preview
D1Baseball.com
Projected Order of Finish
1. Nebraska
2. Maryland
3. Michigan
4. Iowa
5. Indiana
6. Rutgers
7. Illinois
8. Ohio State
9. Purdue
10. Penn State
11. Minnesota
12. Michigan State
13. Northwestern
Projected Regional Teams (4)
Nebraska
Maryland
Michigan
Iowa
Preseason Player of the Year
3B - Max Anderson, Nebraska
Preseason Pitcher of the Year
RHP - Nick Dean, Maryland
Preseason Freshman of the Year
RHP - Marcus Morgan, Iowa
Top Prospects - 2022 Draft
21. RHP - Shay Schanaman, Nebraska
Top Prospects - 2023 Draft
2. SS - Brice Mathews, Nebraska
3. 3B - Max Anderson, Nebraska
10. LHP - Emmett Olsen, Nebraska
Impact First-Year Freshmen
4. C/DH - Josh Caron, Nebraska
7. RHP - Drew Christo, Nebraska
9. 2B - Core Jackson, Nebraska
18. RHP - CJ Hood Nebraska
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NEBRASKA PREVIEW
Head Coach: Will Bolt
Assistants: Lance Harvell, Jeff Christy
2021 Record: 34-14 (34-14)
Strengths
Nebraska has long been known for its ability to produce runs and the 2021 season was no different, as the Huskers led the Big Ten in batting average (.279), runs and hits. That continued in fall ball with a barrage of big hits and home runs for a versatile lineup that offers a little bit of everything.
Question Marks
The Huskers lost their Friday and Saturday starters as well as Spencer Schwellenbach, their dynamic closer. They do, however, like how their starting rotation stacks up in addition to their bullpen depth.
Star Power
The left side of the infield will have a pair of players who starred as freshmen in third baseman Max Anderson and shortstop Brice Matthews. Matthews played mostly second base a year ago and is full of quick-twitch fiber. Anderson was the B1G Freshman of the Year after hitting .332/.386/.500 with seven homers.
Glue Guys
Catcher Griffin Everitt played a big part in the Huskers march towards the postseason a year ago, providing clutch hits and playing rock-solid defense behind the dish. Cam Chick can play multiple positions on the field with a track record of success, hitting eight home runs and stealing eight bases a year ago. It remains to be seen if lefthander Jake Bunz is going to start or close but he's going to play an integral role regardless of his use.
Pick to Click
Shay Schanaman has gotten better and better since being on campus. He posted a 5.08 ERA as the team's Sunday starter a year ago and the coaching staff really liked what they saw this fall. He'll open the year as the staff ace. Injury slowed outfielder Luke Sartori's development a year ago, but he looked much better in the fall and could have a much bigger season serving as the team's center fielder.
Top Newcomer
True freshman Josh Caron showed ridiculous power in the fall and will see a lot of time as the team's DH. Fellow freshman Core Jackson is a dynamic overall athlete expected to be the team's everyday starter at second base. Transfer Dawson McCarville has a sinker/slider profile and will be the team's Sunday starter after posting a 3.58 ERA in 65 1/3 innings last spring at Grand Canyon.
Outlook
All signs point to positive momentum with the Nebraska program as Coach Bolt looks to continue to captain the ship back to its glory years just after the turn of the millennium. There's athleticism and versatility in the everyday lineup and an impressive depth of pitching in addition to the arms already mentioned -- including Kyle Perry, Emmett Olson, Ethan Bradford and Koty Frank -- all of whom served meaningful roles last season. Continued improvement from some of their projected key players, much like they received during the 2021 season, will dictate the level of success Nebraska enjoys in 2022.
