Quarterback play hasn’t been at an elite level in the Big Ten in recent years. In fact, many feel that’s one reason for the conference’s struggles. But this year’s collection of passers teems with potential.

The 2013 Big Ten Baseball Tournament got underway Wednesday at Target Field. No. 4 Minnesota carded a 3-2 walk-off victory over No. 5 Illinois, and No. 3 Nebraska routed No. 6 Michigan, 11-2.

This time of year, it’s always fun to look at the rosters and try to pick out the conference’s breakout stars. A year ago, if you had your eye on, say, Venric Mark, Allen Robinson, Jake Ryan or Ryan Shazier, you hit it out of the park. It’s time to go out on a limb and offer my top five candidates for who will go from an under-the-radar player to a household name in 2013.

CHICAGO – For the fifth straight year, BTN will televise live every game of the Big Ten Baseball Tournament. Coverage begins Wednesday and continues until Saturday, with a game on Sunday if necessary.

The Big Ten announced Tuesday its 2013 All-Big Ten teams and individual award winners. Big Ten champion Indiana was well represented, as it took home Pitcher of the Year (Aaron Slegers) and Coach of the Year (Tracy Smith). Illinois’ Justin Parr was named Player of the Year and Kevin Duchene earned Freshman of the Year honors. See the teams in this post.

The Michigan and Nebraska softball teams both advanced to next weekend’s Super Regionals with impressive wins over Pac-12 foes Sunday. The Wolverines topped Cal, 3-1, while the Huskers took down Stanford, 10-5. Both teams dominated this weekend’s competition, sweeping their respective regional, held at their home fields.