USC's Minna Abraham is missing the 2026 Big Ten Championships due to personal reasons, the school announced on Instagram. Despite her impressive performance this season, including a top-2 NCAA time in the 200 free, she was set to be the top seed in the event. Abraham's absence is a significant loss for the team, as she was a top scorer last year, contributing 61 individual points and securing 2nd place finishes in both the 100 and 200 free events. She also swam on four relays, including the 400 and 800 free relays, which finished 3rd. USC's performance at the 2025 Championships was 5th out of 14 teams, with 835 points, just 14 points behind 4th place Wisconsin. Swimulator projections suggest they could finish 2nd in 2026, but with a narrow lead over Ohio State and Indiana. Abraham's last competition was a month ago against Stanford, where she won the 100 back in 51.22 and placed 3rd in the 100 free. Her season has been remarkable, with a 1:40.47 in the 200 free, currently 2nd in the NCAA rankings. With her talent and achievements, her absence from the Championships is a notable setback for the team and a loss for the conference.
