CFB: Big Ten’s Top 10 Performers in September

1. Kaleb Johnson, RB, Iowa

Running back Kaleb Johnson is having a Heisman-type year for the Hawkeyes. It’s not a shock that Iowa can run the ball; it’s what they are great at doing. However, Johnson’s numbers are eye-popping. He has nine touchdowns and 685 yards on the ground, both second nationally. He also has seven receptions, yes Iowa passes the ball for 26 yards.

Up Next: Iowa (+19.5) at Ohio State

9. Tai Felton, WR, Maryland

Tai Felton would be higher on this list had he finished the game against Indiana. He got knocked out of the contest in the third quarter. However, his hot start to the season has him leading the Big Ten in receiving with 46 catches for 646 yards and six touchdowns.

Up Next: Bye

8. Will Johnson, DB, Michigan

Another Michigan defender who puts fear in opponents is cornerback Will Johnson. Johnson has had three interceptions this year and two defensive touchdowns. Who needs an offense when you have scorers on defense?

Big Ten Title Odds: +2000

7. Miller Moss, QB, USC

The Southern Cal quarterback does what Lincoln Riley quarterbacks do: put up gaudy numbers. Miller Moss has 1,198  passing yards despite playing one fewer game than most of the league. He has eight touchdown passes and only two interceptions.

Up Next: USC (-8.5) at Minnesota

6. Billy Edwards, QB, Maryland

Billy Edwards could be the best all-around quarterback in the league. He leads the Big Ten through five games with 1,444 passing yards and 11 touchdowns. He has evolved as a quarterback and makes Maryland’s offense click.

Up Next: Bye

5. Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State

True freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith has been as good as advertised. In four games (we’ll count Week 1), he has made 19 catches for 364 yards and five touchdowns. He has also added another rushing touchdown.

Up Next: Ohio State (-19.5) vs. Iowa

4. Kurtis Rourke, QB, Indiana

The Hoosiers are the talk of the Big Ten (at least in my world, mainly due to Kurtis Rourke's play at quarterback. The ‘Maple Missile’ has thrown 11 touchdowns to just two interceptions and has added two scores on the ground. He is completing 73 percent of his throws as well.

3. Kyle Monangai, RB, Rutgers

Where would Rutgers be without Kyle Monangai? Not undefeated and heading to Lincoln; that’s for sure. The defending rushing champion of the Big Ten is back at it again. In 2024, he has 589 yards on 97 carries and six touchdowns. He will be playing on Sundays in 2025.

Up Next: Rutgers (+7) at Nebraska

2. Dillon Gabriel, QB, Oregon

The Oregon Ducks got off to a slow start in 2024 but seem to be rolling now. Quarterback Dillon Gabriel is a large part of that. He has thrown for over 1,100 yards and has nine touchdown passes to his one interception. He has also added two rushing touchdowns.

Up Next: Oregon (-24) vs. Michigan State

1. Kaleb Johnson, RB, Iowa

Running back Kaleb Johnson is having a Heisman-type year for the Hawkeyes. It’s not a shock that Iowa can run the ball; it’s what they are great at doing. However, Johnson’s numbers are eye-popping. He has nine touchdowns and 685 yards on the ground, both second nationally. He also has seven receptions, yes Iowa passes the ball for 26 yards.

Up Next: Iowa (+19.5) at Ohio State