Big Ten passing yardage leaders after Week 9

USC scored a massive win over Ohio State in Week 9 on the Big Ten schedule, and quarterback Jayden Maiava played a key part in that result. This is to be expected as Maiava came into the week as the Big Ten's leading passer in yardage and touchdowns thrown. Maiava passed for 222 yards and a touchdown in the statement win game for the Trojans on Saturday night to pad his lead on the Big Ten's passing yardage leaderboard and take control of the Big Ten's passing touchdown lead.

Ohio State's Julian Sayin remains second in the Big Ten in passing yards and passing touchdowns, but his being out definitely means that will not last much longer. Purdue's Ryan Browne is likely to pass Sayin in passing yardage next week, and USC's Maiava will be poised

to create even more breathing room in the race for the passing yardage title.

It was a rough weekend for some of the Big Ten's top passers, including Purdue's Ryan Browne against Penn State and Indiana's Josh Hoover, who left Indiana's overtime game with an injury at halftime.

Here are the Big Ten's top 10 passing-yardage leaders following the results of Week 9.

1. Jayden Maiava, USC

Sep 4, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) throws the ball before the game against the Fresno State Bulldogs at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Passing yards: 2524
Passing TDs: 20 (leads Big Ten)
Interceptions: 5

2. Julian Sayin, Ohio State

Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin (10) throws under pressure from Penn State Nittany Lions defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton (33) during the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 1, 2025.

Passing yards: 2,007
Passing TDs: 19
Interceptions: 4

3. Ryan Browne, Purdue

Nov 28, 2025; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Purdue Boilermakers quarterback Ryan Browne (15) throws a pass during the fourth quarter against the Indiana Hoosiers at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images

Passing yards: 1964
Passing TDs: 11
Interceptions: 5

4. Aidan Chiles, Northwestern

Northwestern’s Aidan Chiles throws a pass against Michigan State during the fourth quarter on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.

Passing yards: 1898
Passing TDs: 13
Interceptions: 1

5. Josh Hoover, Indiana

Sep 25, 2026; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Josh Hoover (10) celebrates after running for a touchdown against the Northwestern Wildcats during the second half at Merchants Bank Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images

Passing yards: 1860
Passing TDs: 19
Interceptions: 2

6. Rocco Becht, Penn State

Sep 26, 2026; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Rocco Becht (3) looks to throw a pass during the first quarter against the Wisconsin Badgers at West Shore Home Field at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images

Passing yards: 1839
Passing TDs: 13
Interceptions: 5

7. Anthony Colandrea, Nebraska

Nebraska’s Anthony Colandrea throws a pass against Michigan State during the first quarter on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, in East Lansing.

Passing yards: 1824
Passing TDs: 15
Interceptions: 7

8. Malik Washington, Maryland

Sep 19, 2026; College Park, Maryland, USA; Maryland Terrapins quarterback Malik Washington (7) passes in the first half against the Virginia Tech Hokies at SECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images

Passing yards: 1805
Passing TDs: 9
Interceptions: 7

9. Katin Houser, Illinois

Illinois Fighting Illini quarterback Katin Houser (4) runs the ball during the first half against the Southern Illinois Salukis at Gies Memorial Stadium.

Passing yards: 1663
Passing TDs: 13
Interceptions: 5

10. Drake Lindsey, Minnesota

Minnesota Golden Gophers quarterback Drake Lindsey (5) motions to his team in the first quarter Sep 26, 2026 at Husky Stadium.

Passing yards: 1592
Passing TDs: 10
Interceptions: 6

Kevin McGuire is the lead writer for Nittany Lions Wire, part of the USA TODAY Network. Follow him on BlueSky, Threads or any of these other platforms.

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This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Big Ten passing yardage leaders after Week 9