Top 10 Big Ten Offensive Players for 2025

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For the Big Ten, nothing is more important to the success of the conference than the return of high-profile players. Whether these players have had established, illustrious careers or are looking to leave their mark early in their career starts, all of those who choose to return will be discussed in Big Ten history for years to come. Those returning on the offensive side of the ball especially would love to leave a special legacy. While a lot of them are on blueblood teams, there are several who are also rewriting history for their programs. Thus, as I rank the top offensive talent in the Big Ten this year, the onus is placed on these players to continue to carry the torch for their programs and the conference.
10. Dakorien Moore, Oregon
Fighting Ducks wide receiver Dakorien Moore catches a pass as the Fighting Ducks face off against Mighty Oregon in the Oregon Ducks spring game on April 26, 2025, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene.
Despite not even playing a single snap yet for the Ducks, Moore may just be the most hyped and talked-about player among their roster's ranks. The consensus No. 1 receiver for the 2025 class, Oregon staff are raving about his explosiveness and big play ability. His track experience in high school showcased his elite speed and his shiftiness downfield will surely translate well towards his connection to first time starter and UCLA transfer Dante Moore. What Jeremiah Smith was last year for Ohio State, Dakorien Moore could be for Oregon.
9. Max Klare, Ohio State
Ohio State Buckeye Scarlet Max Klare (86) celebrates a touchdown catch with Jelani Thurman (15) against team Gary in the 1st half during the spring game at Ohio Stadium on April 12, 2025.
The only tight end on this list, Max Klare transfers into a program and an offense much more versatile than the one he was with last year. And yet, even on a moribund Purdue squad, he still posted almost 700 yards and added 4 touchdowns. Now with Ohio State, he will be the perfect security blanket down the seam for another first time starter in Julian Sayin. Look for Klare to benefit from opposing defenses continuously trying to solve the Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate problem.
8. Devonte Ross, Penn State
Penn State wide receiver Devonte Ross (5) check with the line judge during the Blue-White game at Beaver Stadium on Saturday, April 26, 2025, in State College. The White team defeated the Blue team, 10-8.
Another elite transfer, Devonte Ross plied his trade at a non-Power 4 conference program with Troy and is looking to translate his game to a blueblood program. His 1,043 yards receiving would have been second in the conference last season and despite his slight stature, standing only 5'11", his deep threat ability and outside skill are nothing to sneeze at. While several other transfers and returners to the Penn State offense could make more of an impact, don't sleep on a breakout season in the Power 4 for Devonte Ross.
7. Nicholas Singleton, Penn State
Jan 9, 2025; Miami, FL, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Nicholas Singleton (10) celebrates a touch down in the second half against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
While some might say the elite Penn State running back should be higher on this list, the additions from the transfer portal and return of his backfield partners see him in 7th. However, there is no denying Nicholas Singleton's strength and physicality at the position, especially in goal-to-go and red zone situations and his receiving threat is certainly superior to his backfield partner in early down situations. Even though his role in this offense may diminish as Drew Allar develops a rapport with his new receivers, look for Singleton to still be a vital aspect of this team's title aspirations.
6. Elijah Sarratt, Indiana
Indiana's Elijah Sarratt (13) celebrates a touchdown during the Indiana versus Purdue football game at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024.
The only player from a non-traditional blueblood program, Sarratt now must carry the torch for Indiana after one of the most successful seasons in program history. Coming from JMU alongside coach Curt Cignetti, Sarratt is one of the only returners from that transfer class offensively and thus must be a leader both on and off the field. His 957 yards and 8 touchdowns are sure to increase if Cal transfer Fernando Mendoza relies on him as he transitions into this offense. If there's any one player to keep your eye on this season outside of the traditional conference powerhouses, it's Sarratt.
5. Drew Allar, Penn State
Jan 9, 2025; Miami, FL, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Drew Allar (15) runs the ball in the second half against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Another player who might be lower on my list than you expect, Drew Allar is still an elite playmaker and almost certainly someone who could be a first round selection in next year's draft. This is more about the pressure placed on him to replicate the success of last season than his own talent. While his abilities at the position are undeniable, there will be countless questions if he can't at the very least lead Penn State to a CFP championship appearance in his final year. I believe that he has the potential and the weapons to do so, but we won't find out until the season gets into full swing.
4. Kaytron Allen, Penn State
Penn State Nittany Lions running back Kaytron Allen (13) celebrates his first down run against the Boise State Broncos during their Vrbo Fiesta Bowl matchup at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Dec. 31, 2024.
The more explosive of the two backs returning to Happy Valley, Kaytron Allen offers elite speed, vision and contact balance out of the backfield, always looking to hit the home run play for the Nittany Lions. I believe that he will get more touches than Singleton especially in early downs, and as evidenced by his 1,100 yards, an expanded role in this offense would be highly deserved. The best part of this running back tandem is that they balance each other perfectly. While Singleton could be seen as their bell cow, Allen is their closer with his ability to change games in the blink of an eye.
3. Trebor Pena, Penn State
Nov 2, 2024; Syracuse, New York, USA; Syracuse Orange wide receiver Trebor Pena (2) runs with the ball after making a catch in the third quarter against the Virginia Tech Hokies at JMA Wireless Dome. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images
Perhaps the transfer with the most pressure to perform in this Penn State offense, Trebor Pena could become the new everyman in this offense, much like Tyler Warren was last year. Whether it be in the slot, on the outside, or even in the backfield as a gadget guy on trick plays, Trebor Pena gives this offense an electric, speedy player who Penn State fans will be singing his praises about. At Syracuse, Pena had to be a star. At Penn State, he can just be himself. And that might be enough to make Penn State a true contender.
2. Julian Sayin, Ohio State
Ohio State Buckeye Scarlet Julian Sayin (10) reads the team Gary defense in the 1st half during the spring game at Ohio Stadium on April 12, 2025.
Some might say this is a way too high spot for a first time starter, but consider all the pieces surrounding the redshirt sophomore. Sayin steps into an offense with an elite receiver who still has two years of eligibility, another who is one of the most underrated playmakers in the conference, and a transfer tight end who is elite in finding space down the seam. The stage is set for Sayin to have immediate success. Look for his elite arm talent and athleticism to stand out from the jump, with his intelligence also a major factor as to why analysts think he's ready to play. However, with Texas coming to town in the first game of the season, looking for revenge, Sayin has to immediately prove he's up for the task.
1. Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) celebrates with offensive lineman Donovan Jackson (74) after a touchdown catch against Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the first quarter during the College Football Playoff National Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on January 20, 2025.
You know this thrilling young talent would be top of the list from the moment you started reading this article. After having broken multiple freshman and single-season records, Smith returns for his sophomore season ready to continue terrorizing defenses no matter what they throw at him defensively. Look for Sayin to find him early and often and elevate his own game through the elite play of Smith. There truly is no way to describe the athleticism that Smith can display on a football field, and the Big Ten has to prepare for more, because this young man is not going anywhere anytime soon.
This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Ranking Top 10 Big Ten Offensive Players