As we gear up for the 2024 college football season, the Big Ten Conference boasts some of the most potent offensive units in the country. This feature ranks each team's offense based on their quarterback situations, notable transfers, and overall talent at the skill positions. Here’s a comprehensive look at the Big Ten offensive rankings for 2024.
1. Ohio State Buckeyes
Quarterback: Will Howard (Transfer from Kansas State), Devin Brown
Running Back: Quinshon Judkins, TreVeyon Henderson
Wide Receiver: Emeka Egbuka, Carnell Tate, Jeremiah Smith
Tight End: Gee Scott
Overview: Ohio State comes into the season with a high-powered offense led by Will Howard, a significant transfer from Kansas State. The Buckeyes feature a dynamic running back duo in TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins, along with one of the nation's best wide receiver groups, making them the top offense in the Big Ten.
2. Michigan Wolverines
Quarterback: Alex Orji, Davis Warren
Running Back: Donovan Edwards, Kalel Mullings
Wide Receiver: Semaj Morgan, Tyler Morris, Fredrick Moore
Tight End: Colston Loveland
Overview: Michigan's offense is balanced and experienced, with Alex Orji expected to step up as the starting quarterback. The Wolverines have a strong running game led by Donovan Edwards and a reliable receiving corps, making them a formidable unit.
3. Penn State Nittany Lions
Quarterback: Drew Allar, Beau Pribula
Running Back: Nicholas Singleton, Kaytron Allen
Wide Receiver: Julian Fleming, Harrison Wallace
Tight End: Tyler Warren
Overview: Penn State features a potent offense with Drew Allar leading the charge at quarterback. The Nittany Lions have a powerful running game and a solid group of wide receivers, positioning them well for the upcoming season.
4. Wisconsin Badgers
Quarterback: Tyler Van Dyke (Transfer from Miami), Braedyn Locke
Running Back: Chez Mellusi, Tawee Walker
Wide Receiver: Will Pauling, Bryson Green
Tight End: Riley Nowakowski
Overview: The addition of Tyler Van Dyke from Miami gives Wisconsin a significant boost at quarterback. Combined with a strong running game and reliable receivers, the Badgers' offense is set for a productive season.
5. Maryland Terrapins
Quarterback: MJ Morris, Billy Edwards
Running Back: Roman Hemby, Nolan Ray
Wide Receiver: Kaden Prather, Tai Felton
Tight End: Preston Howard
Overview: Maryland's offense is dynamic and versatile, with MJ Morris expected to lead as the starting quarterback. The Terrapins' skill position players are capable of making big plays, adding to their offensive strength.
6. Iowa Hawkeyes
Quarterback: Cade McNamara (Transfer from Michigan), Brendan Sullivan
Running Back: Leshon Williams, Kaleb Johnson
Wide Receiver: Kaleb Brown, Seth Anderson
Tight End: Luke Lachey
Overview: Iowa's offense is solid, particularly with experienced players at quarterback and tight end. Cade McNamara, a transfer from Michigan, brings leadership and stability to the position.
7. Nebraska Cornhuskers
Quarterback: Dylan Raiola, Heinrich Haarberg
Running Back: Gabe Ervin, Emmett Johnson
Wide Receiver: Jahmal Banks, Isaiah Neyor
Tight End: Thomas Fidone
Overview: Nebraska's offense has promising talent, especially with top quarterback recruit Dylan Raiola. The Cornhuskers also have strong wide receivers and a reliable tight end in Thomas Fidone.
8. Minnesota Golden Gophers
Quarterback: Max Brosmer, Drake Lindsay
Running Back: Darius Taylor, Sieh Bangura
Wide Receiver: Daniel Jackson, Elijah Spencer
Tight End: Jameson Geers
Overview: Minnesota's offense is balanced with depth at running back and reliable wide receivers. Max Brosmer is expected to lead the team effectively from the quarterback position.
9. Indiana Hoosiers
Quarterback: Kurtis Rourke, Tayven Jackson
Running Back: Justice Ellison, Kaelon Black
Wide Receiver: Elijah Sarratt, Omar Cooper
Tight End: Zach Horton
Overview: Indiana's offense has good potential with a capable quarterback in Kurtis Rourke and a diverse group of skill players. The Hoosiers aim to improve their offensive production this season.
10. Illinois Fighting Illini
Quarterback: Luke Altmyer, Donovan Leary
Running Back: Kaden Feagin, Josh McCray
Wide Receiver: Pat Bryant, Malik Elzy
Tight End: Cole Rusk
Overview: Illinois's offense is young with potential, featuring a mix of emerging talents and solid contributors. Luke Altmyer will need to step up as the leader at quarterback.
11. Michigan State Spartans
Quarterback: Aidan Chiles, Tommy Schuster
Running Back: Nathan Carter, Kay'Ron Lynch-Adams
Wide Receiver: Montorie Foster, Alante Brown
Tight End: Jack Velling
Overview: Michigan State's offense is looking to improve with new talent at key positions. Aidan Chiles will be crucial in leading the offense and developing chemistry with his receivers.
12. Purdue Boilermakers
Quarterback: Hudson Card (Transfer from Texas), Marcos Davila
Running Back: Devin Mockobee, Reggie Love
Wide Receiver: Jahmal Edrine, Kam Brown
Tight End: Max Klare
Overview: Purdue's offense is in transition with the addition of Hudson Card from Texas. The Boilermakers have potential playmakers at receiver and running back, aiming for better cohesion this season.
13. Northwestern Wildcats
Quarterback: Mike Wright, Ryan Hilinski
Running Back: Cam Porter, Joseph Himon
Wide Receiver: Bryce Kirtz, A.J. Henning
Tight End: Thomas Gordon
Overview: Northwestern's offense has some experienced players but needs significant improvement and consistency. Mike Wright will be instrumental in stabilizing the quarterback position.
14. Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Quarterback: Athan Kaliakmanis, Ajani Sheppard
Running Back: Kyle Monangai, Samuel Brown
Wide Receiver: Naseim Brantley, Dymere Miller
Tight End: Victor Konopka
Overview: Rutgers's offense has potential but lacks the depth and star power of other Big Ten teams. Athan Kaliakmanis will need to develop quickly to elevate the Scarlet Knights' offensive performance.
The Big Ten Conference features a diverse array of offensive talents heading into the 2024 season. Ohio State, Michigan, and Penn State lead the pack with their explosive playmakers and strong quarterback situations. Keep an eye on these teams as they battle for supremacy in one of college football's most competitive conferences.
Stay tuned to the Raymond Report at ATS STATS for more in-depth analysis and updates throughout the season.
