Spring Scope-Out: Bloomington/Normal squads among top threats to win Big 12 in softball

Bloomington players congratulate each other after an out during a 2025 game against Peoria Notre Dame. Jonathan Michel/Clutch Sports Media

The Big 12 was a tightly-packed bunch near the top in 2025 last season with Normal Community catching fire in the second half of the season to win the conference title. 

The Iron certainly have the tools to repeat, but other suitors have strong cases to be the top team along Interstate 74. Bloomington boasts reigning Big 12 Pitcher of the Year Reilly Vetter with several other returning bats and PND possesses a well-rounded group that finished in the top half of the conference in 2025. Normal West and Richwoods have several sluggers that can make even more of an impact if their respective squads can take a leap in the circle. 

Below is Clutch Sports Media’s spring scope-out for Big 12 softball with primers on each Peoria and Bloomington/Normal-area team in the conference, highlighting what and who to watch out for in the 2026 season. 

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