When one thinks of Big Ten football, they think of electrifying offenses. And what would electrifying offense be without elite wide receivers? The returning receiving leaders for the conference in 2025 almost certainly pack a punch, whether it be their first year in the conference or someone who is already fresh on everyone’s minds.

10. Vinny Anthony II, Wisconsin

2024 Stats: 39 catches, 672 yards, 4 TDs, 17.2 YPC

One of the longest tenured Badger receivers, Anthony is no stranger to the conference. Ranking fourth in yards per catch in the conference last year, Anthony feels primed and ready for yet another stellar season. Look for Billy Edwards Jr, the Maryland QB transfer, to develop an immediate rapport with the reliable Anthony. In Phil Longo’s Air Raid scheme, he just might be the key to unlocking Edwards’ growth as well.

9. Ian Strong, Rutgers

2024 Stats: 43 catches, 676 yards, 5 TDs, 15.7 YPC

For Rutgers to continually improve under Greg Schiano, they must rely upon players like Ian Strong. The leader in receiving yards last season for Rutgers, Strong proved his toughness especially in the red zone. However, his reliability will almost certainly be tested as Rutgers face perhaps the toughest Big Ten schedule possible. In order to maintain any kind of consistency offensively, Strong and Kaliakmanis must remain elite in the red zone. Thus, while Strong may not be the most well-rounded receiver on this list, he is nevertheless one of its most important members due to a potentially expanded role this year.

8. Max Klare, Ohio State

2024 Stats: 51 catches, 685 yards, 4 TDs, 13.4 YPC

The only tight end appearing on this list, the former Purdue Boilermaker adds even more depth to one of the most fearsome receiving rooms in the country. The top tight end in the portal brings with him an elite seam-bursting ability that new full-time starter Julian Sayin will certainly appreciate. Look for Klare to benefit in the short to intermediate areas of the field as opposing defenses key in on the rest of the Buckeyes‘ top talents. Ryan Day sure did land a true unicorn at the position.

7. Carnell Tate, Ohio State

2024 Stats: 52 catches, 733 yards, 4 TDs, 14.1 YPC

The second Ohio State player on this list, Carnell Tate is a name that should be heard much more often than it was last season. Despite all the hype surrounding the breakout of Jeremiah Smith and Emeka Egbuka’s swan song, Tate quietly had almost 740 yards and proved that he could be the ultimate beneficiary of opposing defenses keying in on those two studs. It particularly became clear that he was a true rising star in the CFP semifinal, when he led the Ohio State receiving corps with six catches for 87 yards, making a huge difference in a tight game. Look for him to continue to be a thorn in opponent’s sides should they continue to ignore him.

6. Makai Lemon, USC

2024 Stats: 52 catches, 764 yards, 3 TDs, 14.7 YPC

Heading into his junior year with the Trojans, Makai Lemon has certainly stepped into a leadership role both on and off the field. However, it’s his thrilling ability to put points on the board continuously no matter what role he’s in that delights USC fans. One of the best all-around athletes in the Big Ten, not only did he lead the Trojans in catches, but was an exhilaratingly fantastic kick returner as well, finishing sixth in the nation in returns. Look for him and new starter Jayden Maiava to be a fascinating QB-WR tandem this year with much more fun to come.

5. Denzel Boston, Washington

2024 Stats: 63 catches, 834 yards, 9 TDs, 13.2 YPC

The Huskies could be a fun and frisky team in the Big Ten this year, and Denzel Boston will play a large role in determining just that. The leading receiver from last year and eighth all time in UW history, Boston’s size and speed combo should continue to terrorize opposing defenses for at least another year. Look for this year to be all about Boston’s draft stock as he could either remain a mid first round pick or fall precipitously. Either way, he will be a key catalyst for the Huskies‘ season, whether they be good or bad.

4. Trebor Pena, Penn State

2024 Stats: 84 catches, 941 yards, 9 TDs, 11.2 YPC

The first transfer portal addition on this list for the Nittany Lions, Trebor Pena could also turn out to be the shiny new WR1 Drew Allar is looking for. With the departure of Tyler Warren, Pena could become the new utility man for Penn State down the field Allar will be looking to connect with constantly. Also, don’t be surprised if there are a couple jet sweeps implemented within the Penn State playbook this year for Pena. Without a doubt, Pena is the icing on the cake for a stellar transfer class for a Penn State squad dreaming of a championship.

3. Elijah Sarratt, Indiana

2024 Stats: 53 catches, 957 yards, 8 TDs, 18.1 YPC

The only Hoosier on this list, the young man they affectionately call Waffle House will have a heavy weight to carry come this fall. In order for Indiana to build upon their surprise season last year, Sarratt will have to be even more big-time than last year. The former JMU man will almost certainly increase his target share especially with Cal transfer Fernando Mendoza at the helm. Indiana will surprise no one this year, but if Sarratt stays consistent in his junior season, Curt Cignetti and Co. could continue to shock.

2. Devonte Ross, Penn State

2024 Stats: 76, 1,043 yards, 11 TDs, 13.7 YPC

The second transfer portal addition for the Nittany Lions, the former Troy Trojan is the perfect complement to Pena’s speed. If Pena can play in the slot, look for Ross to be more of an outside threat. Despite his height, don’t let that fool you from denying his big play ability. His 11 touchdowns, fifth most nationally attest to that. Add that he is just the six player in Troy’s history to eclipse the 1’00 yard receiving mark, and Penn State may have just found themselves a hidden gem at a position of need.

1. Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State

2024 Stats: 76 catches, 1,315 yards, 15 TDs, 17.3 YPC

There are no superlatives too lofty when describing Jeremiah Smith. After all, he may just be the best college football wide receiver we will see in our lifetime. And he still has at the very least two years of eligibility remaining. He shattered Cris Carter’s freshman receiving records for the Buckeyes, had the fourth most receiving yards in a season in Ohio State history, had the second most receiving touchdowns in school history…all as a freshman. Even when opposing teams hone in on him, he is dangerous because of the players around him. You can slow him down, but never overwhelm him. Teams will try it all next season, starting with Texas coming up to the Shoe for revenge. It will be at their own peril.

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This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Ranking the Big Ten’s returning receiving leaders in 2025