10 Best Wide Receivers In The Big Ten, Where Do The USC Trojans Land?

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The USC Trojans are set to begin their 2nd season in the Big Ten Conference. The Big Ten is often known for its defense and quarterback play, yet this season, the talent level is through the roof when it comes to the wide receiver play in this season’s conference play.

The casual college football fan may be familiar with the potential Heisman favorites like Jeremiah Smith, but several impressive wide-outs are extremely underrated and deserve much more attention, even before the season starts.

So without further ado, here are the 10 (and four honorable mentions) best wide receivers currently active in the Big Ten Conference.

Where Do The USC Trojans Land In The Top 10 WRs In The Big Ten?

Honorable Mentions

These are four young guys whom I desperately wanted to mention, yet still have a ton to prove for their teams. Each of these players has a chance to take the Big Ten by storm (as long as the quarterback steps up in the ways that they are expected).

KJ Duff – Sophomore – Rutgers

KJ Duff comes in as a young player with a ton of upside after a relatively impressive freshman year with the Scarlet Knights last season. Rutgers returns last season’s quarterback, Athan Kaliakmanis, who became the first Scarlet Knight to throw for over 2,000 yards since 2015.

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Duff may be the most underrated guy on this list, as Rutgers isn’t necessarily in the running to win the Big Ten this season.

Kwazi Gilmer – Sophomore – UCLA

Gilmer is the skill position player I have eyes on this season for the UCLA Bruins. The Sophomore averaged 11.1 yards per carry last year in a limited season and has the potential to produce at an even higher level.

With a major talent in Nico Iamaleava on the team, Gilmer has a bright future ahead of him in 2025.

Nick Marsh – Sophomore – Michigan State

Nick Marsh had an extremely underrated season as a Freshman for the Spartans last season, putting up over 600 yards receiving while establishing a solid relationship with Aidan Chiles.

Marsh can easily rise in the ranks of Big Ten receivers as the Michigan State offense continues to grow.

Dakorien Moore – Freshman – Oregon

Moore is the wide receiver on the Oregon roster that I’m the most excited about. With Evan Stewart being out for the season, the Ducks are deeply yearning for the speed and ability that the 18-year-old could provide.

The CFP hopefuls are in desperate need of Moore (and the other receivers) to stand out this season.

#10. Dane Key – Senior – Nebraska

Dane Key is a former Kentucky Wildcat who transferred to the Cornhuskers this previous offseason, where he slides into the WR1 position as Dylan Raiola’s number one option.

The Senior comes into this season with a ton of experience, as he currently has 126 career receptions and 1,870 receiving yards during three seasons as a Wildcat.

Key comes into an impressive offense that is poised to explode this season, with the potential to elevate it even further.

#9. Javon Tracy – Junior – Minnesota

Javon Tracy is a former MAC legend who helped Miami (Ohio) play in the conference championship and transferred over to Minnesota this offseason. Tracy has only expanded his game in each season he played for the RedHawks.

The Golden Gophers have a manageable schedule this season, as they avoid Penn State, Michigan, USC, and Indiana.

Drake Lindsey is getting a ton of hype at the quarterback position, and a key to his success is how well Javon Tracy plays this year.

#8. Devonte Ross – Senior – Penn State

Devonte Ross is one of two Penn State wide receivers on this list, which is a remarkable turnaround from the group that the Nittany Lions put out last season.

Ross was arguably the best receiver in the Sun Belt as he produced 11 touchdowns on 76 receptions for 1,043 receiving yards. Penn State found a gem to help lead this new receiver room.

#7. Trebor Peña – Senior – Penn State

Trebor Peña’s road to State College may have been a bit tricky. Nonetheless, Peña is by far my favorite receiver on Penn State’s roster.

Peña was a superstar last season for Syracuse as he became Kyle McCord’s favorite target in an explosive offense. If Drew Allar plays to his full potential, Peña can become one of the best offensive weapons in the nation.

#6. Makai Lemon – Junior – USC Trojans

Makai Lemon is one of two USC Trojans I have on this list that have the potential to be a first-round draft pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

The Junior is entering his third season with the USC Trojans after putting up decent numbers last season, while having mixed results from the quarterback position.

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Things look remarkably different this season as Jayden Maiava is set to break out as one of the nation’s best quarterbacks. Lemon is known for his speed and elusive moves, which are sure to bring major headaches to opposing defenses.

#5. Carnell Tate – Junior – Ohio State

On almost any team in the entirety of college football, Carnell Tate would be considered the best receiver on the roster. Yet, even with Jeremiah Smith existing, Tate has an explosive ability that sets him apart from most players at the receiver position.

The Buckeyes’ Junior receiver has a chance to step up in the midst of defenders focusing on his teammate’s ability, giving Tate a chance to make a name for himself.

With Emeka Egbuka in the NFL, Ohio State desperately needs Carnell Tate to become a shining star.

#4. Elijah Sarratt – Senior – Indiana

Elijah Sarratt has had a unique career path. The Senior started his college career at St Francis and then moved to James Madison before arriving at Indiana last year.

Sarratt had an incredible season last year, where he was a part of an Indiana offense that shook up the entire landscape of college football.

Despite being highly productive last year, I still believe Sarratt is potentially the most underrated offensive player in college football. If he can find a groove with the new quarterback, Fernando Mendoza, Elijah Sarratt could find himself leading the Hoosiers right back to the CFP.

#3. Ja’Kobi Lane – Junior – USC Trojans

Ja’Kobi Lane is my favorite player on the USC Trojans roster. After his performance against Texas A&M in the Las Vegas Bowl last season, I became a true believer in what Lane brings to the table (especially when partnered with Maiava).

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Lane was rewarded with the MVP after 7 receptions for 127 yards and 3 touchdowns to give the Trojans a 35-31 win over the Aggies from College Station.

Purely based on his ability to score, I truly believe that Ja’Kobi Lane could elevate the USC Trojans offense to be one of the best in the nation.

#2. Denzel Boston – Junior – Washington

I am a big believer in the Washington offense this season, and it all begins with Denzel Boston. The Huskies had a bit of a letdown year last season, which was of no fault to Boston, who had 63 catches for 834 yards and 9 touchdowns.

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Demond Williams Jr. should be the starting quarterback for the entirety of 2025-26, which bodes extremely well for the Junior receiver based on the talent of the young quarterback.

#1. Jeremiah Smith – Sophomore – Ohio State

Now there should be no question who the best wideout in the Big Ten is. Jeremiah Smith is a generational athlete who dominated the NCAA last season as a Freshman with 76 catches for 1315 yards and 15 touchdowns.

Smith currently sits as the best (non-quarterback) odds to win the Heisman Trophy, according to BUSR.

If Ohio State can figure out the best way to utilize Julian Sayin at the quarterback position, the Buckeyes could be even more dangerous than they were last season. Jeremiah Smith could potentially go down as the best player in college football after the season wraps up if he isn’t already.

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