Last season in the Big Ten, there was a stark contrast between the conference’s best and worst offenses. Six teams averaged over 30 points per game, while three mustered up less than 20 points per game.
A number of programs were simply difficult to watch on that side of the ball, as Wisconsin, UCLA and Purdue all couldn’t move the ball easily, much less put it in the end zone. Meanwhile, teams like Indiana, USC and Oregon were like poetry in motion on offense, with Ohio State and Washington not far off from that in certain games.
Advertisement
In recent years, the Big Ten has been a ground-and-pound league offensively and not one that is accustomed to high-scoring flurries. But the expansion — plus the Hoosiers hiring offensive mastermind Curt Cignetti — has led to an explosion at the top, and one that should continue into 2026.
At the same time, some of the worst offensive teams in the conference look to be headed for a similar result as last season.
We’ve already ranked the Big Ten’s quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers and tight ends. Now, it’s time to bring it all together and rank the conference’s best offenses as a whole, beginning with a team that hasn’t won a Big Ten game in two seasons.
Nov 28, 2025; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Purdue Boilermakers quarterback Ryan Browne (15) hands the ball off to Purdue Boilermakers running back Antonio Harris (22) during the third quarter against the Indiana Hoosiers at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images
2025 Stats: 18.8 ppg (16th in Big Ten), 343.6 total ypg (14th)
Advertisement
Analysis: Purdue returns quarterback Ryan Browne, who was subpar in 2025. They don’t have much other talent at all, with former Minnesota backup running back Fame Ijeboi operating as the feature back. The Boilermakers have gone winless in conference in each of the last two years and that could certainly happen again considering the lack of talent and proven ability on offense.
Sep 13, 2025; Blacksburg, Virginia, USA; Old Dominion Monarchs quarterback Colton Joseph (1) throws a pass during the second quarter at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Bishop-Imagn Images
2025 Stats: 12.8 ppg (18th), 253.1 total ypg (18th)
Analysis: The only thing saving the Badgers from being last on this list is Old Dominion transfer quarterback Colton Joseph, who has thrown 32 touchdowns and rushed for 24 scores in his career. He’s experienced and should be solid, but the issue is that he’s unlikely to elevate subpar talent relative to the rest of the Big Ten. At the least, it will be intriguing to watch Joseph’s transition from tearing up the Sun Belt to the Big Ten.
Advertisement
16) Michigan State Spartans
Nov 15, 2025; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan State quarterback Alessio Milivojevic (11) hands the ball off to Michigan State running back Makhi Frazier (5) against Penn State in the third quarter at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Mullin-Imagn Images
2025 Stats: 24.6 ppg (12th), 345.5 total ypg (13th)
Analysis: Michigan State lost starting quarterback Aidan Chiles (Northwestern) and top receiver Nick Marsh (Indiana) to other Big Ten programs, making this likely another rough season on that side of the ball. The likely starting quarterback, Alessio Milivojevic, was solid last season in throwing 10 touchdowns versus three interceptions when Chiles got benched. But he doesn’t project as anything more than solid and not someone who can lead this offense to a prolific season.
Nov 7, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Northwestern Wildcats running back Caleb Komolafe (5) is stopped short of the goal line by Southern California Trojans safety Kamari Ramsey (7) during the first half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
2025 Stats: 23.4 ppg (14th), 346.1 total ypg (12th)
Advertisement
Analysis: Chip Kelly is the offensive coordinator and the dynamic Chiles will be his dual-threat passer, but it’s difficult to see the Wildcats being much better on offense in 2026 than they were last season. They aren’t particularly strong at any position outside of running back Caleb Komolafe and a slightly above average offensive line. Kelly should be able to coax a top-half rushing attack in the Big Ten, but I’d be worried about Chiles struggling and potentially being benched once again.
Maryland quarterback Malik Washington throws a pass during the third quarter of their game against Wisconsin, Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
2025 Stats: 23.5 ppg (13th), 360.0 total ypg (11th)
Analysis: Securing the return of quarterback Malik Washington was huge for the Terrapins’ prospects moving forward. He was promising, but not great as a true freshman last season and should be better this fall. But outside of him, there’s inexperience galore at the skill positions. The offensive line should be strong again, though, as Washington was sacked just eight times. The ceiling just isn’t very high for this group.
Advertisement
Nov 28, 2025; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Kamari Moulton (28) runs against Nebraska Cornhuskers defensive back Andrew Marshall (10) during the third quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images
2025 Stats: 29.3 ppg (8th), 320.1 total ypg (15th)
Analysis: It may come as a surprise that the Hawkeyes averaged nearly 30 points a game last season, but don’t expect that to continue in 2025. Presumed starting quarterback has thrown for eight passing yards in his career and projects as the Big Ten’s worst quarterback. Running back Kamari Moulton is back, but he was more average than anything else. Iowa‘s scoring didn’t match up with their yardage last season, representing a very likely drop in their points especially with a new passer taking the reins.
Nov 8, 2025; Pasadena, California, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback TJ Lateef (14) runs the ball ahead of UCLA Bruins defensive lineman Jacob Busic (97) during the second half at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
2025 Stats: 28.7 ppg (T-9th), 370.5 total ypg (9th)
Advertisement
Analysis: Losing quarterback Dylan Raiola to the transfer portal was a huge loss for the Cornhuskers, though they turned right around and added UNLV’s Anthony Colandrea to compete with TJ Lateef for the starting nod. Running back Emmett Johnson is also gone, as he was the bell-cow of the offense in rushing for over 1,400 yards and 12 touchdowns. Despite inexperienced players stepping into starting roles, expect head coach Matt Rhule’s offense to be better than others in the bottom of the Big Ten.
11) Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Nov 29, 2025; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights running back Antwan Raymond (3) celebrates his touchdown reception with Rutgers Scarlet Knights offensive lineman Bryan Felter (65) during the second half against the Penn State Nittany Lions at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
2025 Stats: 28.7 ppg (T-9th), 407.1 total ypg (6th)
Analysis: Quietly, Rutgers was explosive at times last season. They’re losing quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis however, though running back Antwan Raymond (1,241 yards, 13 touchdowns) and wide receiver KJ Duff (1,084 yards, seven touchdowns) are stars in their own right. I’d be surprised if they had the same production as a year ago, but the Scarlet Knights are capable of inflating their offensive numbers against the bottom teams in the conference once again.
Advertisement
Oct 17, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers running back Darius Taylor (1) runs the ball against the Nebraska Cornhuskers during the second half at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
2025 Stats: 23.0 ppg (15th), 293.2 total ypg (17th)
Analysis: Running back Darius Taylor was the entire offense last season for the Golden Gophers when healthy, and he decided to spurn the NFL and return for one more season. He should once again be the feature back, but the needed improvement of the Minnesota offense will come down to the development of quarterback Drake Lindsey, who was far from great in his first season as the starter. He has all the tools, but needs to put it all together in order to push the Golden Gophers into the upper half of Big Ten offenses.
Advertisement
9) Illinois Fighting Illini
Dec 30, 2025; Nashville, TN, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema watches against the Tennessee Volunteers during the second half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
2025 Stats: 29.4 ppg (7th), 373.8 total ypg (8th)
Analysis: The Fighting Illini routinely seem to field middle-of-the-pack offenses under head coach Bret Bielema, and I expect that to be the same case in 2026. Out is starting quarterback Luke Altmeyer, but East Carolina transfer Katin Houser is a capable replacement. Illinois should once again have a solid rushing attack to help out Houser, but this offense won’t be anything better than average.
Sep 13, 2025; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback Bryce Underwood (19) passes in the first half against the Central Michigan Chippewas at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
2025 Stats: 27.5 ppg (11th), 396.9 total ypg (7th)
Analysis: Michigan will be good once again next season, though that’s likely to be powered by their defense — once again. Five-star true freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood will have a full year of starting experience under his belt, but unless he pops and opens up the passing attack, the Wolverines won’t reach their ceiling. They do have a high floor, but only an Underwood breakout will cause them to reach their ceiling.
Advertisement
Dec 8, 2025; University Park, PA, USA; Matt Campbell poses for a photo after being announced as the Penn State Nittany Lions new head coach during a press conference at the Beaver Stadium Press Room. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images
2025 Stats: 31.0 ppg (6th), 362.0 total ypg (10th)
Analysis: This is one of the more intriguing offensive units in the Big Ten. It’s nearly a whole new slate of players, as head coach James Franklin was fired and replaced by former Iowa State head man Matt Campbell, who brought a number of starters on offense headlined by quarterback Rocco Becht and running back Carson Hansen. Both excelled in the Big Ten the last two seasons, but putting them at No. 7 seems about right considering what we don’t know yet about how they’ll look with Penn State.
Sep 5, 2025; Louisville, Kentucky, USA; James Madison Dukes running back Wayne Knight (3) runs the ball against the Louisville Cardinals during the first half at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-Imagn Images
2025 Stats: 18.2 ppg (17th), 319.9 total ypg (16th)
Advertisement
Analysis: I have high hopes for this Bruins squad under former James Madison head coach Bob Chesney. The talent is there offensively, as quarterback Nico Iamaleava has engineered a high-powered offense at Tennessee and the Dukes’ rushing attack, led by running back Wayne Knight who is now a Bruin, was one of the best in college football. There may be some growing pains early, but this unit should be much, much more explosive than a year ago.
5) Washington Huskies
Nov 22, 2025; Pasadena, California, USA; Washington Huskies quarterback Demond Williams Jr. (2) sets to pass during the first half against the UCLA Bruins at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
2025 Stats: 34.1 ppg (4th), 409.9 total ypg (5th)
Analysis: Any offense with Demond Williams Jr. at quarterback is going to be fun to watch. The Huskies are losing top running back Jonah Coleman and wide receiver Denzel Boston to the NFL draft, but Williams’ second full season as the starter should result in a strong offensive unit. Look for Washington to give their passer the freedom to throw the ball around the yard and make plays with his legs.
Advertisement
Nov 15, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) throws against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the first half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
2025 Stats: 35.9 ppg (3rd), 465.5 total ypg (1st)
Analysis: The quarterback-wide receiver duo of Jayden Maiava and Tanook Hines should be among the best in the Big Ten next season. The connection was explosive at the end of last season, with the latter coming into his own during his true freshman campaign despite the presence of star receivers Makai Lemon and Ja’Kobi Lane. Add in running back King Miller and Waymond Jordan in the backfield, and the Trojans are sure to put up a lot of points next fall.
Indiana Hoosiers head coach Curt Cignetti looks out on the field from the sideline Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, during the Peach Bowl and semifinal game of the College Football Playoff against the Oregon Ducks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
2025 Stats: 41.6 ppg (1st), 452.0 total ypg (3rd)
Analysis: The Hoosiers came out of nowhere to lead the nation in scoring and are turning over nearly every skill position standouts and several lineman. They replenished via the transfer portal, adding TCU quarterback Josh Hoover and Michigan State wide receiver Nick Marsh. They should be fine at the running back position as well, as there’s talent waiting in the wings there. And at this point, I’m not sure a Curt Cignetti-led offense could be anything other than excellent considering his track record.
Advertisement
Dec 31, 2025; Arlington, TX, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) celebrates after he runs for a touchdown during the 2025 Cotton Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
2025 Stats: 33.4 ppg (5th), 422.6 total ypg (4th)
Analysis: Jeremiah Smith’s junior season will be something to watch. Another year of chemistry built with quarterback Julian Sayin won’t hurt either, but Smith is the best player in college football and should challenge for the Heisman Trophy. True sophomore-to-be Bo Jackson had an awesome true freshman campaign and should be even better. And while there is talent alongside those three, it’s more unproven talent than anything, putting them slightly below Oregon in my mind.
Dec 20, 2025; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore (5) warms up before the game against the James Madison Dukes at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
2025 Stats: 36.9 ppg (2nd), 452.2 total ypg (2nd)
Advertisement
Analysis: Dante Moore‘s return to the Ducks secured them amongst the upper echelon of offenses heading into 2026 simply because of the returning production from the true freshman class in running backs Jordon Davison and Dierre Hill Jr. and wide receiver Dakorien Moore. But that’s not all, as former five-star receiver Evan Stewart will be back and looking to contribute at a high level. Oregon has the top tight end in the conference in Jamari Johnson, who should have a standout year as the TE1. There’s talent and returning experience galore on this unit, giving them the nod as the Big Ten’s top offense.
Contact/Follow @Ducks_Wire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oregon Ducks news, notes, and opinions.
This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Ranking the Big Ten’s best offenses heading into 2026
