NAPERVILLE, Ill. - The Illinois Wesleyan University softball team will head into the 2026 campaign with a target on its back, as the Titans were predicted to win the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin title according to the annual coaches poll released Friday, Feb. 6.

The Green and White reeled in seven first-place votes and topped the poll with 63 points after running through the league a season ago. Last spring, the Titans posted a 16-0 conference record and won the CCIW Tournament Championship before concluding the year with a 37-9 mark. 

The remaining two first-place votes were thrown to Augustana, who placed second in the list with 58 points. Carthage (46), Millikin (44), and North Central (39) rounded out the top-five, respectively. Carroll and Wheaton tied for sixth with 22 points apiece. In eighth, North Park tallied 19 points followed by 11 from Elmhurst.

Illinois Wesleyan is scheduled to begin its season Saturday, Feb. 21, at Inspiration Field as host to Illinois College. First pitch of the twin bill is slated for 12 p.m.

2026 CCIW Preseason Softball Coaches' Poll
1. Illinois Wesleyan (7 first-place votes), 63 points
2. Augustana (2 first-place votes), 58 points
3. Carthage, 46 points
4. Millikin, 44 points
5. North Central, 39 points
T6. Carroll, 22 points
T6. Wheaton, 22 points
8. North Park, 19 points
9. Elmhurst, 11 points