It has become commonplace for the Big Ten receivers to be some of the best in the country. In this year’s NFL Draft, the top wide receiver came from the Big Ten and four overall were drafted. If we add the four West Coast teams, that number jumps to 10. In addition to wide receivers, we are going to factor in tight ends as the Big Ten has a long history of elite pass-catching tight ends. Thinking back to the draft again, five of the twelve tight ends drafted played in the Big Ten.
We continue our look at the top returning players in the Big Ten. These are reserved for players who are returning to the Big Ten, so incoming transfers like Evan Stewart will not be included. The same can be said of true freshmen like Jeremiah Smith. However, players returning to their school who will be joining the conference will count. This year’s group of Big Ten receivers is impressive, to say the least.
The Top Returning Big Ten Receivers for 2024
5. Daniel Jackson, Minnesota
Kicking off the best Big Ten receivers returning in 2024, Daniel Jackson has been getting better and better each year.
Over his four seasons with the Golden Gophers, Jackson has played in 42 games, making him one of the most experienced Big Ten receivers as a whole. In his first two seasons, Jackson eased his way into the rotation. He accounted for 434 yards and a touchdown off 37 receptions.
He took a sizable step forward in 2022 and led the Gophers with 557 yards and five touchdowns from 37 receptions. Then, this past season, he was the first option for Minnesota. He led the way with 59 catches, 831 yards, and eight touchdowns, all marking new career bests.
If the trend continues and Minnesota can get the most out of New Hampshire transfer Max Brosmer, Jackson should be able to eclipse 1,000 yards.
4. Colston Loveland, Michigan (TE)
There are a few tight ends worth mentioning in the Big Ten and Colston Loveland leads the way. Heading into 2024, Loveland is considered to be among the nation’s best at the position and will likely have just as strong of a season this year.
In his freshman season, Loveland gave Michigan a taste with 235 yards and two scores off 16 receptions. He appeared in all 14 games for the Wolverines in 2022, making it obvious great things were to come.
Last year, he broke out as more of a receiving threat. He appeared in all 15 games and recorded at least one catch in each. In total, Loveland amassed 649 yards and four touchdowns with 45 catches for the Wolverines.
Michigan lost the two receivers who accounted for more than Loveland to graduation, so it looks like 2024 could be even better for the third-year tight end.
3. Zachariah Branch, USC
Zachariah Branch had more of an impact than his stats would indicate as a true freshman. USC was getting Branch acclimated to the college game and had a few other offensive pieces to feed last year. However, for this year, Branch should be the go-to weapon for Miller Moss and the Trojans offense.
As a receiver, Branch averaged over 10 yards a catch with 320 yards and a pair of touchdowns. He also added 70 yards on the ground off nine carries and scored once. Lincoln Riley knew the talent he had in Branch and used his freshman on special teams.
As a returner, Branch brought back 24 kicks for 18.4 yards a pop and even scored once. As a punt returner, he averaged 20.8 yards per return and also scored.
Branch showed flashes of what’s to come and 2024 should be the breakout season that many expect from the former five-star receiver who was the best in the 2023 class.
2. Tez Johnson, Oregon
As most of the attention was on Troy Franklin, Tez Johnson opened a lot of eyes and has the attention of experts and fans alike. He may be overlooked again with the addition of Stewart but Johnson is the kind of receiver to make a defense pay for doubling another.
Johnson came to Oregon by way of Troy where he accounted for 1,809 yards and eight touchdowns in three years. He jumped into the portal to join his adoptive brother, Bo Nix at Oregon. In terms of catches, Johnson led the way for the Ducks with 86 (a program record). He finished behind Franklin with 1,182 yards and 10 touchdowns.
While Johnson doesn’t have a long history of breaking off monster catch-and-runs, he has the ability. If he can improve on making defenders miss in space, the home runs will come. He’s a fluid route runner who can get open anywhere on the field and will have a legitimate argument to be the best Big Ten receiver at the year’s end.
1. Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State
It’s been quite the journey for fourth-year receiver, Emeka Egbuka. Heading into the 2023 season, Egbuka was expected to accompany Marvin Harrison, Jr. in the first round of the draft. After an injury-hampered season, Egbuka returned to be the number-one option in a potentially new-look offense.
In 2023, Egbuka took a step back from his breakout campaign in 2022. In 10 games, Egbuka hauled in just 41 passes for 515 yards and four touchdowns. He was still healing from injuries during Spring practices, so he looks to get back to it this fall.
In 2022, Egbuka overshadowed Harrison a bit. As a sophomore, Egbuka amassed 1,151 yards and 10 touchdowns off 74 receptions. He showed that he can be a reliable option and is a home run threat no matter where he gets the ball on the field.
Egbuka is expected to have another strong season to get back to that first-round pedigree. The all-time receiving record at Ohio State is also well within reach for the senior.
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