The NCAA postseason is just around the corner, and for larger conferences like the Big Ten, it's time to sort out the league's pecking order. Big Ten schools are competing in a pair of Big Five meets this weekend to determine which schools will qualify for the morning or afternoon sessions at the conference championship meet.

The winner of Big Ten Championships usually comes from the evening session, so schools aim to make that session. Illinois plays host to one of the Big Five meets on Saturday against Maryland, Michigan State, Nebraska, and Ohio State. Meanwhile, Iowa welcomes Michigan, Penn State, Rutgers, and Minnesota to Iowa City. 

Here are the top gymnasts from each school to keep an eye on at the Illini's State Farm Center this weekend.

Illinois: Lizzy LeDuc

The Texas native is Illinois' top all-around gymnast at No. 35 in the Road to Nationals rankings. She excels on beam and floor, where she is No. 19 and No. 22, respectively. LeDuc's beam features an Onodi, a skill not often seen in the NCAA, and she is the Illini's anchor on the event. Her floor is a fun, high-energy routine that involves solid tumbling but is also a very entertaining performance.

Maryland: Alecia Farina

Although only a freshman, Farina has become a strong and solid competitor for the Terps. Earning a consistent spot in Maryland's floor lineup, she has averaged a 9.757 so far this season on the event but has a career high of 9.925. Only once this season has she totaled a floor score below 9.800. Farina has also earned a lineup spot on all four events for the past few meets, showing her versatility and reliability.

Michigan State: Nicola Deans

Dean has been an important all-around gymnast for Michigan State, competing on all four events in every meet so far this season except one. Deans is a solid floor worker and has some big tumbling in her routine, opening with a double layout.

Nebraska: Sienna Crouse

With no score below a 9.850, Crouse is a rock-solid bars contributor for the Cornhuskers. Her routine includes a nice Gienger and a full-twisting double back dismount, and she often does a good job at hitting her handstands. Nationally, she is ranked No. 24 on the event.

Ohio State: Alexis Mattern

The Buckeyes have counted on the junior for every single meet and event this season, but Mattern has made a name for herself on floor. She's capable of some big tumbling, including a double layout, and knows how to perform and sell her routine. So far this season, she has received four scores in the 9.900 range and has only scored below a 9.800 once.


Related:
Meet Preview: Top Gymnasts To Watch At Iowa Big Five Meet
Lizzy LeDuc Earns Second Weekly Big Ten Honor