Top offensive player for every Big Ten team in 2025

USA Today

18-07-2025

The Big Ten is one of the most loaded conferences when it comes to offensive talent. Whether it be electrifying wide receivers, steady running backs, or clutch QBs, each program has at least one superb athlete amongst their ranks. Here are the top offensive platers for every Big Ten team headed into 2025.
Illinois: Luke Altmyer
Without two of his most productive receivers from last year, Luke Altmyer will look to continue making clutch plays in the biggest of moments. In order for the Illini to break through into the College Football Playoff, Altmyer must maintain the standards set last year, when he totaled 560 yards with six touchdowns and no interceptions in Illinois' top-25 victories. Look for Altmyer to continue to be efficient, ranking 34th in the nation in that regard last year. The sky's the limit for Altmyer if he persists in his ascension as an elite Big Ten QB.
Indiana: Elijah Sarratt
New QB? Should be no problem for the likes of Elijah Sarratt. The rising junior is quickly becoming one of the most reliable receivers in the Big Ten. This season, with Fernando Mendoza at the helm, must be no different. In 2024, he tied for 10th overall on Indiana's receiving yardage (957) and receiving touchdowns (8) charts. If his rapport with Mendoza is anything like it was with Rourke, his stats could skyrocket yet again this season. Look out for the man they call "Waffle House."
Iowa: Mark Gronowski
While Kamari Moulton and Jaziun Patterson form a highly potent 1-2 punch in the backfield, it is the transfer of Mark Gronowski that immediately gives this offense significant upside. The former FCS man has the tools to have a stellar transition to FBS play, as evidenced by his 10,330 yards with the Jackrabbits of South Dakota State. Most importantly for his development, Iowa now have the requisite weapons for a QB of Gronowski's caliber to thrive. Look for him to develop a scary connection with potential breakout star Reece Vander Zee. Iowa's offense will be putrid no more with Gronowski at the helm.
Maryland: Jalil Farooq
The Terps have very little in the way of impact players on offense due to the mass exits of several key players to pastures new. However, one incoming talent could emerge as a potential beacon of hope for what should be a worrying Terps squad. Oklahoma transfer Jalil Farooq at the very least offers the Terps experience and savvy at the wide receiver position, and brings with him over 1,200 career receiving yards from the Sooners. While the QB who will be throwing to him is yet to be decided, they will be glad a receiver like Farooq is on the roster.
Michigan State: Nick Marsh
Elijah Tau-Tolliver certainly could make a case with his pedigree coming from Sacramento State, but I choose the upside of Marsh at the wide receiver position. Only a sophomore, Marsh has already hit the ground running with the Spartans in a breakout freshman season. He led the team in receiving yards with 649, tied for the lead in TD receptions, and was second in overall receptions. This offensive will certainly have a different feel to it this year, and Marsh will be a huge part of it. I would not be surprised if Marsh led all the same statistical categories for the Spartans this year as well.
Michigan: Justice Haynes
We don't know how Bryce Underwood will look come the first game of the season, so for now, I cannot bring myself to pick the five-star talent. Alabama transfer Justice Haynes could be equally as important to the success of the Wolverines anyway. The workhorse back continues the brand of physicality the Wolverines love in their RBs, and Haynes will help set that tone along with the upside of Underwood this season. While he only had 448 yards with the Tide last year, Haynes hasn't even reached his pinnacle yet. With a freak talent with a lot of potential in the backfield this year, we could be hearing Haynes's name a lot more now that he's a Wolverine.
Minnesota: Darius Taylor
One of the best workhorse backs in the entire conference, Taylor will carry a hefty load this year for the Golden Gophers. With true freshman Drake Lindsey potentially earning the starting QB Job, Taylor must continue to be the ultimate bell cow for Minnesota. The All-Big Ten Honorable Mention rushed for just under 1,000 yards and had a team-leading 10 touchdowns. He was also a threat in the pass game, catching 54 balls for 350 yards and 2 touchdowns. Look for him to be Drake Lindsey's get-out-of-jail free card early and often this season.
Nebraska: Dylan Raiola
Dylan Raiola may not ever be the best quarterback in the Big Ten, but he certainly displayed the traits last year to prove he's competent enough for the Cornhuskers. He completed 67% of his passes, throwing for 2,819 yards. Unfortunately, he only had 13 touchdowns to show for it. If he gains consistency, that number should skyrocket this season. Finishing third amongst all freshmen in passing yards gives Nebraska fans hope that that trait sticks with him for the next three years as well. This choice is also more about the lack of weapons Nebraska has around Raiola than anything. With new reinforcements throughout his career, look for him to continue to make these types of lists.
Northwestern: Cam Porter
There is no steadier running back in the Big Ten than Cam Porter. The sixth-year senior has been a stalwart for the Wildcats and will look to continue to produce despite the overall ineptitude of the Northwestern offense. Combined with SMU transfer Preston Stone, Northwestern could actually shock some middling Big Ten squads. Especially if Porter gets upward of 120 carries yet again and continues to average right around 4-5 yards per carry. He may not be pretty in terms of his play style, but he certainly gets the job done well.
Ohio State: Jeremiah Smith
You didn't have to even read this far to know who would represent the Buckeyes on this list. In fact, if you're a fan of a Big Ten school, you're probably already dreading what this young man will do to your school over the next two or so years. The only real question we can have about Smith is how many more records this kid can break? With another stellar quarterback taking the reins in Columbus in either Julian Sayin or Lincoln Kienholz, Smith is primed for even more electrifying moments. You can hope and pray it won't happen to your school as hard as you can, but chances are Smith will make some big plays.
Oregon: Dakorien Moore
This time, I will pick a true freshman from the ranks of one of the Big Ten's elite squads. The fact that he comes from the Ducks will certainly shock some people. Nevertheless, when you look at Moore's high school stats, you will soon see why I have undeniable faith in his success in Eugene. In his high school career, Moore has over 4,400 receiving yards, 48 touchdowns and averaged 20.2 yards per catch, including a junior campaign where he had 1,523 yards and 18 scores. Dan Lanning will be elated should Moore live up to his lofty potential.
Penn State: Nicholas Singleton
This certainly could have been Drew Allar after a breakthrough campaign, but I'm choosing perhaps the best running back in the entire nation in Nicholas Singleton. The more versatile of Penn State's electric tandem, Singleton will be taking no prisoners this year in his push for a national title. He already is fifth all time in rushing touchdowns at Penn State and tenth in rushing yardage with 2,912. If he continues to ascend the all-time ranks and seals his illustrious career in Happy Valley with a CFP title, he will most definitely be one of the biggest legends in Penn State history.
Purdue: Devin Mockobee
Another one of the Big Ten's most consistent backs, Mockobee has to ply his trade in a much more anemic offense. That has not slowed his steadiness or his loyalty to the Boilermakers. In his three years with the program, he has already amassed over 2,400 rushing yards and 19 rushing touchdowns. This will be his toughest season without a security blanket, Max Klare, to open up avenues in the run game for him and, most importantly, for Purdue to take advantage of both of their skillsets. If Mockobee is to have another career year, he will have to do it alone. He is certainly capable of it.
Rutgers: Ian Strong
Ian Strong is the definition of consistency, especially a Scarlet Knights team that is beginning to preach longevity and dedication in the second Greg Schiano era. The Honorable Mention All-Big Ten player did things no other Scarlet Knight had done in almost 15 years and still has two years of eligibility left. A team that has also most recently preached physicality with a more running-oriented attack would now like to expand into new horizons, and Strong could be a big part of that revolution. Look for Ian Strong to be one of Rutgers' most integral stars over the next two years.
UCLA: Jaivian Thomas
UCLA is seemingly a team with a lot of depth in its offense, but little production stemming from it. We don't know how the QB room will look, and the receivers leave much to be desired. That is why I chose impressive Cal transfer Jaivian Thomas amidst all the chaos. Usurping one of the great running backs of the past three years in Jadyn Ott at Cal was no easy feat, yet the sophomore had the lion's share of carries. In just 100 carries, he rushed for 626 yards and seven touchdowns. In a much more wide-open room, those numbers and performances could stand out to Deshaun Foster enough to give him the starting role.
USC: Makai Lemon
USC is going through significant change on the offensive side of the ball, as the Miller Moss project didn't pan out, and both Branch brothers are out the door. That leaves two competent receivers who produce in different. Lemon though, looks to be the standout between him and Ja'Kobi Lane. While Lane had more touchdowns, Lemon produced more yards, showcasing his reliability. In a first full season for Jayden Maiava, that could be all he needs to be successful. If Lemon can prove to be a 1,000-yard receiver while still maintaining his route flexibility, USC could be in for a much more prolific season than they expected.
Washington: Jonah Coleman
While sophomores Demond Williams and Adam Mohammed offer a lot of raw upside and dynamism in the backfield, it is Jonah Coleman who offers the air of experience and efficiency required for this Washington offense to truly break off. Another steady workhorse back, Coleman perfectly balances out the unpredictable nature Williams brings to the table and the breakaway abilities of Mohammed. With 1,053 yards and 10 touchdowns last year, Coleman continued to remind everyone that even Batman needs a Robin. He has been one of the best Big Ten sidekicks in recent years and will continue that narrative in his final season.
Wisconsin: Vinny Anthony II
Vinny Anthony is not the sexiest Big Ten wide receiver, nor is he known for the highlight-reel kind of plays some on this list are capable of. He does get the job done effectively for the Badgers. In an offense holding out for heroes, Anthony has been a paragon of consistency throughout his career. With 672 yards and four touchdowns last year, Anthony proved that sometimes less is more. His 17.2 yards per catch furthers that sentiment and shows that Billy Edwards, the Maryland transfer, just has to feed him the ball, and great things will happen. Anthony is certainly capable of 1,000 yards, but the team has to support him better for him to reach that pinnacle.