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The Big Ten is one of the most valuable conferences in college soccer in what it does to prepare teams for the NCAA Tournament. With varied playing styles and real quality from top to bottom, it is never a surprise to see a Big Ten team make a deeper run than expected in the tournament. Indiana showcased this last season, reaching the national final despite finishing fourth in the Big Ten and heading into the NCAA tournament as a 13th seed. And with several of the highest-ranked recruiting classes in the country, there is no shortage of talent now or in the future for the Big Ten. Check out the TDS preview for the 2023 Big Ten men’s college soccer season.

2022 Big Ten Standings:

1. Maryland 4-0-4 (11-4-5)

With an exciting playing style, Maryland tended to explode for multiple goals in different moments, but that was not always consistent, ultimately costing them a 2-1 loss to Cornell in the second round. But with a highly talented recruiting class and a staple defensive transfer in Bjarne Thiesen, Maryland improves in the areas that should lead to another significant season.

2. Ohio State 4-2-2 (11-3-6)

The Ohio State resurgence under Brian Maisonneuve has finished as the team records its first winning season since 2017. Five years ago, the team won just one game, the worst season in program history, as Maisonneuve was retooling a squad that had missed two straight NCAA tournaments. With high-level facilities, a rich history, and a supremely talented soccer region, Ohio State could once again return to the top of college soccer.

3. Rutgers 4-2-2 (10-5-6)

The defending Big Ten tournament champions head into the 2023 season, returning most of their standouts from the year before. The team must improve its defensive play, as the 35 goals it conceded were the most in the conference, a trait that cost them a 3-0 loss to Penn in the first round. The coaching staff has recognized that, with most of their incoming recruits being defenders.

4. Indiana 3-1-4 (14-4-7)

The definition of championship pedigree, Indiana returned to the NCAA Championship game for the second time in three seasons and third in six. This season they bring in the 11th-ranked recruiting class in the country, led by Hugo Bacharach, the NEC Defensive Player of the Year transferring from Fairleigh Dickinson, and Collins Oduro, a former Right to Dream Academy player who comes in as a freshman. However the season goes, Indiana will likely have a say in the championship story.

5. Penn State 3-2-3 (6-6-4)

Continuing the trend of Big Ten teams with elite recruiting classes, Penn State boasts the tenth-ranked recruiting class to join a roster replacing a handful of key players. And with just one of their six losses coming by more than a goal, this team is closer to a top-four seed than it may seem.

6. Wisconsin 3-4-1 (6-6-4)

Wisconsin is a team to watch as an underrated roster that could make waves. They return most of their starters and add three standout transfers from UCLA, who all played a significant run to the third round of the NCAA tournament. And they bring in several highly touted Freshmen. This team is a dark house to have an elite season.

7. Michigan State 3-4-1 (6-9-2)

With only a few additions for 2023, Michigan State is confident in its returners to help the program return to the NCAA tournament for the first time since reaching the final four in 2018. After all, they have Co-Freshman of the Year Jonathan Stout and several starters returning on a young team who showed promise for the future.

8. Northwestern 1-5-2 (3-9-5)

Since taking over the Northwestern job in 2021, Russell Payne has put together one highly-rated recruiting group after the other. Last season, the Northwestern class was ranked 5th, and this season is eighth, boasting Fritz Volmar, the top-ranked player in the 2023 class opting for collegiate soccer. With that recruiting acumen adding up over the last few years and the right coaching, Northwestern could have a significantly improved season.

9. Michigan 1-6-1 (4-10-3)

The momentum of the late 2010s, when Michigan reached three straight NCAA tournaments, has not carried over to the 2020s, with no bids since 2019. But as the coach under that historic run, Chaka Daley has put together a 40th-ranked recruiting class that could serve as a foundation for the future.

 

Top Freshmen to Watch:

Fritz Volmar, Northwestern (#17 Ranked TDS Class of 2023)

As the top 2023 prospect opting for college soccer instead of the professional route, Volmar is the premier domestic recruit for the 2023 season. Coach Payne has done an excellent job recruiting Volmar, a defender with U.S. U19 national team experience.

Marko Hrvojevic, Wisconsin (#48 Ranked TDS Class of 2023)

Although from Illinois, Hrvojevic spent the last few seasons at Hajduk Split, helping his U19 team to the 2023 UEFA Youth Champions League final. The versatile attacker will bring high-level experience to Wisconsin as part of a class that could be the bases for a championship future.

Caden Grabfelder, Penn State (#85 Ranked TDS Class of 2023)

Bringing high-level play and experience as a 2023 MLS Next All-Star and national finalist, Grabfelder could earn a slot in the Penn State starting line-up sooner than expected. The athletic two-way midfielder is the prospect a team on the edge of a championship run needs.

Luke Van Heukelum, Maryland (#105 Ranked TDS Class of 2023)

The 2021 MLS Next All-Star and Golden Boot winner joins a Maryland recruiting class that is among the best in the country. Heukelum has the makings of a Freshman player who could come in and score from day one.

Lucas Wolthers, Indiana (#129 Ranked TDS Class of 2023)

With Josh Maher opting to remain with St. Louis City SC as a professional contract is presumably in play, Wolthers becomes the prime recruit for an impressive class. The forward comes in with good finishing traits and an opportunity to learn from a coaching staff exceptional at developing talent.

Top Players to Watch:

Laurence Wootton, Ohio State

The Big Ten Midfielder of the Year returns for the last season as a captain looking for a potential conference championship. It could also help solidify his MLS draft stock come December.

Cole Cruthers, Rutgers

AS One-half of the Big Ten Freshman of the Year duo, Cruthers stepped in and immediately improved the team. The Oregon native excels at playing on the half-turn and finding line-breaking passes from the base of midfield. As the type of player whose influence does not always appear on the scoresheet, Cruthers will again be at the core of everything Rutgers accomplishes.

Jonathan Stout, Michigan State

In the second half of the Big Ten Freshman of the Year duo, Stout showcased his potential in an October game where his two goals and two assists accounted for all four goal contributions in a 4-3 victory over Rutgers. As the experience comes, Stout will have more nights like that for a team ready to return to the NCAA tournament.

Peter Mangione, Penn State

As one of the best goal scorers Penn State has ever had, Mangione has scored at least six in his first three seasons. With one final season to go along with a valued recruiting class, Mangione will look to lead Penn State on a deep NCAA run.

Tommy Mihalic, Indiana

Mihalic served as the creative force on an Indiana team whose success is in its defense foundation. Milhalic can create something from nothing as a player fully deserving of the #10 jersey he wears. As the leading returner for the Indiana attack, Milhalic could showcase his best yet.