CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - The Big Ten Conference released their preseason coaches rankings for the 2021 B1G men's gymnastics season. The Illini come in at no. 3 going into B1G play.

Juniors Hamish Carter and Clay Mason Stephens were named Gymnasts to Watch for the 2021 season, with both expected to contribute heavily to the Illini this season. 

Michigan came in unanimously at the top spot in the preseason poll, followed by Nebraska and Illinois. Penn State, Ohio State, Minnesota and Iowa follow the Illini to round out the poll.

Hamish Carter is coming off a 2019-20 campaign in which he garnered seven event titles on the season, including three in all-around, two on vault, one on pommel horse, and one on high bar. He was also a two-time Big Ten Gymnast of the Week last season for the Illini.

Clay Mason Stephens did not compete for the Illini in the 2019-20 season due to injury. Head coach Justin Spring believes Mason Stephens will be a key gymnast in their all-around lineup this coming season. In his freshman year, Mason Stephens Secured four event titles on the season, including two on floor exercise and two on vault, and was a two time Big Ten Freshman of the Week winner. 

Full Ranking

1. MICHIGAN

2. Nebraska

3. Illinois

4. Penn State

5. Ohio State

6. Minnesota

7. Iowa

ALL CAPS indicates unanimous selection

2021 BIG TEN MEN'S GYMNASTS TO WATCH

Hamish Carter, Jr., Illinois

Clay Mason Stephens, Jr., Illinois

Stewart Brown, Jr., Iowa

Bennet Huang, Sr., Iowa

Cameron Bock, Sr., Michigan

Evgeny Siminiuc, Fr., Michigan

Crew Bold, So., Minnesota

Shane Wiskus, Sr., Minnesota

Jake Bonnay, Sr., Nebraska

Griffin Kehler, Sr., Nebraska

Angel Leon, Jr., Ohio State

Jesse Tyndall, Jr., Ohio State

Alex Frack, Sr., Penn State

Nick Mock, Jr., Penn State

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