Ranking all 18 Big Ten offenses from worst to first

USA Today

15 hours ago

The Big Ten Conference isn't classically known for high-powered offenses, great aerial attacks and back-and-forth shootouts. Instead, it's always been known for its Midwestern style of hard-nosed football, strong trench play and games decided by rushing attacks.
That perception may be on its way toward changing. The conference's addition of former Pac-12 powers USC, UCLA, Oregon and Washington added several top-tier passing offenses to the mix. USC and Oregon each went on to finish the 2024 season ranked in the nation's top 15 in passing offense at No. 10 and No. 13, respectively. Only two other Big Ten programs were in the top 30: Maryland at No. 17 and Ohio State at No. 29.
The Big Ten landscape now sees those pass-happy teams meet different tests in programs like Iowa, Illinois and Minnesota -- three classic run-first offenses and defensive-minded teams. 2024 saw mixed results in those matchups, with USC falling to Minnesota but Oregon handling the Fighting Illini.
The 2025 Big Ten season will continue to see a convergence of styles on both sides of the football. Oregon and its high-powered offensive attack finished on top of the conference standings last season. This year, it may be time for a classic Big Ten program to claim that crown.
Position Previews: Quarterbacks -- Running Backs
With the season fast approaching, here is our full preview of every offensive unit in the Big Ten entering 2025, ranked from worst to first.
18. Maryland Terrapins
2024 Team Stats: 386.1 yards/game (No. 67 of 134 FBS teams), 23.7 points/game (No. 101 of 134)
Key Players: QB Malik Washington, RB Nolan Ray, RT Alan Herron, WR Jalil Farooq
The story of Maryland's offense in 2025 may be what its former players are doing elsewhere. The Terrapins lost starting quarterback Billy Edwards Jr., the Big Ten's second-leading passer in 2024, to the transfer portal. He's starting under center for Wisconsin this season. Starting running back Roman Hemby, who led the team in rushing in each of the last three seasons, also transferred to Indiana.
Maryland has an ongoing quarterback battle between freshman Malik Washington and UCLA transfer Justyn Martin. However, whoever wins that battle will be surrounded by a less-than-stellar supporting cast. Even a repeat of last year's pedestrian per-game totals would be a success for the Terps.
17. Purdue Boilermakers
2024 Team Stats: 299.3 yards/game (No. 127 of 134 FBS teams), 15.8 points/game (No. 130 of 134)
Key Players: RB Devin Mockobee, QB Ryan Browne, WR Nitro Tuggle
Purdue experienced a top-down rebuild this offseason. That may be a good thing for an offensive unit that was among the worst in the nation last season. Veteran running back Devin Mockobee should be the engine of the offense, especially with a moderate unknown in sophomore Ryan Browne under center. Several steps forward from the team's 2024 output should not be challenging to attain.
16. Northwestern Wildcats
2024 Team Stats: 284.4 yards/game (No. 130 of 134 FBS teams), 17.8 points/game (No. 128 of 134)
Key Players: QB Preston Stone, RB Cam Porter, RT Caleb Tiernan, WR Griffin Wilde
Northwestern had one of the few offensive units worse than Purdue's last season. Part of those struggles was due to poor quarterback play from both Mike Wright and Jack Lausch. That position may finally be fixed entering 2025 after the team added former SMU starter Preston Stone. If Stone recaptures his AAC-best form from 2023, the Wildcats could sneak up this list.
15. Rutgers Scarlet Knights
2024 Team Stats: 382.7 yards/game (No. 71 of 134 FBS teams), 28.9 points/game (No. 57 of 134)
Key Players: QB Athan Kaliakmanis, RB C.J. Campbell Jr., WR D.T. Sheffield, LT Tyler Needham
Rutgers enters the season with one of the Big Ten's more dependable quarterbacks in Athan Kaliakmanis. While he provides stability and a solid floor, his ceiling is extremely limited. Rutgers was at its best when RB Kyle Monangai took over games on the ground. With him off to the NFL, there are some questions about whether this is still a top-half offense in the nation.
14. Iowa Hawkeyes
2024 Team Stats: 328.8 yards/game (No. 117 of 134 FBS teams), 27.7 points/game (No. 72 of 134)
Key Players: QB Mark Gronowski, RB Kamari Moulton, RT Gennings Dunker, WR Reece Vander Zee
Iowa's point total should come with an asterisk, as no program in the country scores more points on defense and special teams. Still, 2024 saw Iowa's offense take a significant step forward in its first year under OC Tim Lester. Much of that success was thanks to the play of RB Kaleb Johnson, who led the Big Ten with 1,537 yards and 21 rushing touchdowns. The unit's 2025 outlook is simple: How does top Football Championship Subdivision QB Mark Gronowski fare under center? And can Kamari Moulton fill Johnson's shoes in the backfield? If both questions are answered, the Hawkeyes could have their best offense in years.
Get more (Iowa) news, analysis and opinions on Hawkeyes Wire
13. UCLA Bruins
2024 Team Stats: 328.8 yards/game (No. 118 of 134 FBS teams), 18.4 points/game (No. 126 of 134)
Key Players: QB Nico Iamaleava, RB Jaivian Thomas, WR Mikey Matthews, LT Courtland Ford
UCLA struggled on offense in year one under DeShaun Foster. It should've been no surprise that Chip Kelly's exit would lead to a regression on that side of the ball. Looking ahead to 2025, the Bruins pulled off a huge late-spring move in the addition of Tennessee QB Nico Iamaleava. The former five-star recruit has as much talent as any signal-caller in the country. If he realizes his top-tier potential, the Bruins could be a dangerous team.
Get more (UCLA) news, analysis and opinions on UCLA Wire
12. Michigan State Spartans
2024 Team Stats: 334.4 yards/game (No. 110 of 134 FBS teams), 19.3 points/game (No. 123 of 134)
Key Players: QB Aidan Chiles, RB Elijah Tau-Tolliver, TE Jack Velling, WR Omari Kelly, RT Conner Moore
Michigan State's outlook on offense comes down to whether second-year starter Aidan Chiles takes a significant step forward. If he does, the Spartans could boast one of the more dangerous units in the conference. The difference between Chiles' ceiling and floor, however, is significant. His 15 turnovers in 12 starts were a factor in the Spartans missing a bowl game. The junior's turnover rate and completion percentage are two key statistics to watch as the season begins.
Get more (Michigan State) news, analysis and opinions on Spartans Wire
11. Minnesota Golden Gophers
2024 Team Stats: 337.8 yards/game (No. 107 of 134 FBS teams), 26.2 points/game (No. 80 of 134)
Key Players: QB Drake Lindsey, RB Darius Taylor, TE Jameson Geers, WR Logan Loya, RT Kahlee Tafai
Minnesota's offense is a classic high-floor, low-ceiling unit. Redshirt freshman quarterback Drake Lindsey has big shoes to fill after Max Brosmer delivered a terrific season in 2024. Lindsey won't be tasked with carrying the unit, however, as the Gophers boast one of the best running backs in the Big Ten in Darius Taylor. Pencil Minnesota's offense in for around 25 points per game and the overall team in for another 7-5 or 8-4 finish.
10. Nebraska Cornhuskers
2024 Team Stats: 359 yards/game (No. 94 of 134 FBS teams), 23.5 points/game (No. 103 of 134)
Key Players: QB Dylan Raiola, RB Emmett Johnson, LT Elijah Pritchett, WR Dane Key
Nebraska's offense is one to watch entering 2025. Former five-star quarterback Dylan Raiola enters his second year as a starter and will be expected to take a significant step forward. If his supporting cast is as advertised, this unit could sneak close to the conference's top five.
Get more (Nebraska) news, analysis and opinions on Cornhuskers Wire
9. Wisconsin Badgers
2024 Team Stats: 350.3 yards/game (No. 99 of 134 FBS teams), 22.6 points/game (No. 109 of 134)
Key Players: QB Billy Edwards Jr., RB Dilin Jones, RB Darrion Dupree, WR Vinny Anthony, RT Riley Mahlman
Wisconsin's offense enters the first year of the Jeff Grimes era with high expectations. It has a strong passer in Billy Edwards Jr. under center, a talented backfield and an explosive wide receiver corps. The main question is along the offensive line, where the team lost starting left tackle Kevin Heywood to a season-ending injury. Whether or not the Badgers can overcome the gauntlet schedule and return to a bowl game, the program's return to a pro-style, run-heavy offense will pay dividends.
8. Indiana Hoosiers
2024 Team Stats: 426.4 yards/game (No. 34 of 134 FBS teams), 41.3 points/game (No. 2 of 134)
Key Players: QB Fernando Mendoza, RB Roman Hemby, WR Elijah Sarratt, LT Carter Smith
Indiana shocked the college football world in 2024, thanks in part to one of the best offensive attacks in the country. That unit lost significant talent, headlined by starting quarterback Kurtis Rourke. The program did well in the transfer portal this offseason, landing an experienced starting QB in Fernando Mendoza (Cal) and RB in Roman Hemby (Maryland). A repeat of 2024 is too high of an expectation, though the Hoosiers should again be solid on offense this season.
7. Illinois Fighting Illini
2024 Team Stats: 364.8 yards/game (No. 92 of 134 FBS teams), 28.3 points/game (No. 65 of 134)
Key Players: QB Luke Altmyer, TE Tanner Arkin, LT J.C. Davis, WR Hudson Clement
Illinois played an ideal brand of complementary football in 2024. Its offense did more than enough to control games when necessary, aiding the Illini to their first 10-win season since 2001. Major pieces are back from that unit, including QB Luke Altmyer, RBs Aidan Laughery and Kaden Feagin, and LT J.C. Davis. The major question exists at wide receiver, where standouts Pat Bryant and Zakhari Franklin each left for the NFL.
6. Michigan Wolverines
2024 Team Stats: 286.2 yards/game (No. 129 of 134 FBS teams), 22.0 points/game (No. 113 of 134)
Key Players: QB Bryce Underwood, RB Justice Haynes, RT Andrew Sprague
Michigan won eight games in 2024 despite having one of the worst offenses in the FBS. The unit's struggles, specifically, were due to a revolving door at quarterback and overall poor play from the position. Five-star freshman Bryce Underwood arrives in Ann Arbor to change that reality, though he still has to beat out East Carolina transfer Jake Garcia and Fresno State transfer Mikey Keene. The Wolverines are guaranteed to have a strong rushing attack in 2025. Underwood excelling from day one would put the team squarely in the College Football Playoff conversation.
Get more (Michigan) news, analysis and opinions on Wolverines Wire
5. USC Trojans
2024 Team Stats: 437.2 yards/game (No. 23 of 134 FBS teams), 30.2 points/game (No. 51 of 134)
Key Players: QB Jayden Maiava, QB Husan Longstreet, TE Lake McRee, WR Ja'Kobi Lane, WR Makai Lemon
USC will have a strong offense in 2025, that isn't much of a question. The major unknown is at quarterback, where a battle is ongoing between junior Jayden Maiava and five-star freshman Husan Longstreet. Maiava showed flashes of brilliance during his time under center in 2024, leading the Trojans to a 3-1 record. However, a rate of six turnovers in four starts isn't sustainable. USC will only break through to the CFP if its quarterback play returns to an All-Conference level.
Get more (USC) news, analysis and opinions on Trojans Wire
4. Washington Huskies
2024 Team Stats: 390.5 yards/game (No. 61 of 134 FBS teams), 23.4 points/game (No. 104 of 134)
Key Players: QB Demond Williams Jr., RB Jonah Coleman, WR Denzel Boston, LT Carver Willis
Don't look past the Washington offense in 2025. Sophomore quarterback Demond Williams is set to emerge as one of the Big Ten's best. He'll be complemented by an established runner in Jonah Coleman and a strong receiving corps. Don't be surprised if, led by their offense, the Huskies make a run at the CFP.
Get more (Washington) news, analysis and opinions on Huskies Wire
3. Oregon Ducks
2024 Team Stats: 437.4 yards/game (No. 22 of 134 FBS teams), 34.9 points/game (No. 17 of 134)
Key Players: QB Dante Moore, RB Makhi Hughes, TE Kenyon Sadiq, LG Emmanuel Pregnon, WR Dakorien Moore
Like USC, Oregon should be expected to be terrific on offense, regardless of the personnel. The Ducks lost nearly their entire 2024 unit to the NFL, including QB Dillon Gabriel, RB Jordan James, WR Tez Johnson, TE Terrance Ferguson and OT Josh Conerly Jr. The program's top-end recruiting should help to fill most of those positions. Major players to watch are sophomore QB Dante Moore and true freshman five-star WR Dakorien Moore. Each with years of experience left, they could turn into one of the Big Ten's better QB-WR duos.
The Ducks' offense did take a hit earlier this offseason when it lost leading receiver Evan Stewart to a season-ending injury. The team should still have plenty of talent to fill the role, however. Expect another top-25 finish nationally from the unit.
Get more (Oregon) news, analysis and opinions on Ducks Wire
2. Ohio State Buckeyes
2024 Team Stats: 429.4 yards/game (No. 28 of 134 FBS teams), 35.7 points/game (No. 14 of 134)
Key Players: QB Julian Sayin, RB C.J. Donaldson, WR Jeremiah Smith, WR Carnell Tate, TE Max Klare
Like Oregon, Ohio State saw a large portion of its 2024 offense leave for the NFL. Also like the Ducks, the program has more than enough talent to fill those vacant positions. Former five-star QB Julian Sayin is set to start under center. While he won't have the team's terrific 2024 backfield duo of TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins to hand the ball to, all-world WR Jeremiah Smith is poised for a further breakthrough. Purdue transfer TE Max Klare should also play a major role in the receiving game.
It's Ohio State, so expect another top-tier team on both sides of the football.
Get more (Ohio State) news, analysis and opinions on Buckeyes Wire
1. Penn State Nittany Lions
2024 Team Stats: 430.2 yards/game (No. 26 of 134 FBS teams), 33.1 points/game (No. 28 of 134)
Key Players: QB Drew Allar, RB Nicholas Singleton, RB Kaytron Allen, WR Trebor Pena, RT Nolan Rucci
Penn State will have the Big Ten's most talented offense in 2025, led by its best quarterback and top running back room. Syracuse WR Trebor Pena was an underrated offseason addition and could lead the team in receiving. If the team's wide receiver corps hits, the Nittany Lions could have one of the best offenses in the country.
Get more (Penn State) news, analysis and opinions on Nittany Lions Wire
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