The Big Ten has produced many of the nation’s top wide receivers in recent years — with many coming out of Columbus.
That will be the case once again in 2026, but could multiple have ties to Piscataway as well?
Well-known social media account CFB Talk Daily shared a discussion topic where it listed the top returning wide receivers in college football. To no one’s surprise, Jeremiah Smith was at the top of the list.
What might be a bit of a surprise, Rutgers’ KJ Duff came in at No. 4 overall and No. 2
in the Big Ten. The Scarlet Knights also had connections to No. 9 on the list — Ian Strong.
Here is the full list:
- Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State
- Malachi Toney, Miami
- Cam Coleman, Texas
- KJ Duff, Rutgers
- Mario Craver, Texas A&M
- Beau Sparks, Texas State
- Charlie Becker, Indiana
- Amare Thomas, Houston
- Ian Strong, Cal
- Evan Stewart, Oregon
Duff had a breakout season in 2025 with Athan Kaliakmanis under center. He caught 60 passes for 1,084 yards and seven touchdowns. He averaged 18.1 yards per reception. Duff has emerged as a potential first-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft.
The question remains, with many elite pass catchers at Ohio State, Oregon, and beyond, is Duff a top three wide receiver in the conference? It seems very possible he finishes the 2026 season near the top.
