Ranking all 18 Big Ten football teams by returning production entering 2025 season
As the 2025 college football season approaches, teams within the Big Ten conference are preparing for the challenges ahead. With player turnover, coaching changes, and shifting dynamics across the league, the importance of returning production—both in terms of returning starters and key contributors—cannot be overstated. Returning production can often provide a glimpse into the stability and potential for success a team might experience in the upcoming season.
This article will break down the 18 Big Ten teams based on the amount of returning production they bring into the 2025 season, ranking them from the most to the least. Factors considered include returning starters, key players, offensive and defensive depth, and overall program strength.
1. Michigan Wolverines
Returning Production: 90%
Michigan heads into 2025 with a powerful returning class, continuing its momentum as one of the premier programs in the Big Ten. The Wolverines return a host of key players, especially on offense, including their quarterback and several offensive linemen. With quarterback J.J. McCarthy returning for another season, Michigan’s offense is poised to remain one of the conference’s best. Additionally, the defense returns significant production, highlighted by standout players in the secondary and defensive line. The Wolverines’ ability to maintain continuity while adding new talent makes them the favorites heading into 2025.
Key Players Returning:
- QB J.J. McCarthy
- RB Blake Corum
- LB Junior Colson
2. Ohio State Buckeyes
Returning Production: 85%
Ohio State continues to be one of the most talented programs in the nation, and 2025 will be no exception. With a high level of returning production, the Buckeyes have the depth to contend for a playoff spot. Kyle McCord, a standout quarterback, leads an explosive offense, and Ohio State returns multiple wide receivers with game-breaking ability. While some key players on defense are departing, Ohio State’s recruiting efforts and young talent allow them to maintain a strong defensive unit. The Buckeyes are among the top teams in returning production, and they will remain a major force in the Big Ten.
Key Players Returning:
- QB Kyle McCord
- WR Marvin Harrison Jr.
- DE J.T. Tuimoloau
3. Penn State Nittany Lions
Returning Production: 83%
Penn State enters 2025 with a solid foundation. Returning quarterback Drew Allar will be a significant advantage for the Nittany Lions, as he showed immense potential in limited action in 2024. The defense returns multiple key players, especially in the secondary and linebacker positions. Additionally, Nick Singleton provides a solid option at running back to complement the offensive attack. Penn State has the talent and returning depth to potentially challenge the top teams in the Big Ten.
Key Players Returning:
- QB Drew Allar
- RB Nick Singleton
- LB Abdul Carter
4. Wisconsin Badgers
Returning Production: 80%
After the first season of the Luke Fickell era, Wisconsin heads into 2025 with solid returning production. The Badgers have a stable offensive line and will benefit from the return of several key skill-position players, including running backs and wide receivers. Fickell’s defense will be stronger as well, with several returning linebackers and a strong defensive line. Wisconsin’s ability to develop talent and bring in impactful recruits gives them the stability needed to compete in the Big Ten.
Key Players Returning:
- QB Tanner Mordecai
- RB Braelon Allen
- LB Jordan Turner
5. Iowa Hawkeyes
Returning Production: 77%
Iowa’s returning production is bolstered by a defense that remains one of the Big Ten’s top units. With the return of several key players on defense, including linebacker Jack Campbell, Iowa will continue to be a force defensively. Offensively, the Hawkeyes will have more stability with the return of several skill-position players, including quarterback Cade McNamara. While Iowa’s offense is still a work in progress, the returning defensive talent gives them a solid foundation for 2025.
Key Players Returning:
- QB Cade McNamara
- LB Jack Campbell
- DB Cooper DeJean
6. Minnesota Golden Gophers
Returning Production: 75%
Minnesota enters 2025 with a healthy mix of returning starters and key contributors. The offense will remain solid, with Tanner Morgan returning at quarterback, complemented by a strong offensive line and running back Mohamed Ibrahim. The defense also returns several key pieces, especially in the secondary, and will continue to be a physical unit. Minnesota’s ability to maintain a stable roster and develop players under head coach P.J. Fleck gives them an advantage heading into the 2025 season.
Key Players Returning:
- QB Tanner Morgan
- RB Mohamed Ibrahim
- DB Tyler Nubin
7. Maryland Terrapins
Returning Production: 73%
Maryland has made significant strides under head coach Mike Locksley, and the 2025 season will see the return of several key players on both sides of the ball. Taulia Tagovailoa, the talented quarterback, will be the focal point of the offense, and the Terrapins return a deep group of wide receivers. Maryland’s defense also returns several important pieces in the secondary, though the team will need to improve its run defense to take the next step. Overall, Maryland has a good amount of returning talent, particularly on offense.
Key Players Returning:
- QB Taulia Tagovailoa
- WR Rakim Jarrett
- DL Mosiah Nasili-Kite
8. Nebraska Cornhuskers
Returning Production: 70%
Nebraska enters 2025 with an exciting mix of returning players and newcomers under head coach Matt Rhule. The Cornhuskers have a strong defensive foundation, with key players in the secondary and on the defensive line. Offensively, the team will look to build around quarterback Casey Thompson and running back Anthony Grant. While there are some holes to fill, particularly in the receiving corps, the returning depth and potential under Rhule’s leadership make Nebraska a team to watch.
Key Players Returning:
- QB Casey Thompson
- RB Anthony Grant
- LB Luke Reimer
9. Purdue Boilermakers
Returning Production: 68%
Purdue will have a relatively high level of returning production in 2025, with several key players coming back. Quarterback Aidan O’Connell and wide receiver Charlie Jones will return, giving the offense a solid base. The defense returns several key contributors, particularly in the linebacker corps and secondary. Purdue’s ability to stay competitive in the Big Ten West depends on how well they can capitalize on the returning production and integrate new talent into the lineup.
Key Players Returning:
- QB Aidan O’Connell
- WR Charlie Jones
- LB Jalen Graham
10. Northwestern Wildcats
Returning Production: 65%
Northwestern is a team with a lot of young talent, and while they do not have the highest amount of returning production, the pieces they do have can help the Wildcats make significant strides. The defense remains solid, and quarterback Ryan Hilinski gives the offense some stability. The key for Northwestern in 2025 will be developing its young talent and improving in the trenches on both sides of the ball. With Pat Fitzgerald’s leadership, the Wildcats could surprise.
Key Players Returning:
- QB Ryan Hilinski
- LB Bryce Gallagher
- DL Adetomiwa Adebawore
11. Illinois Fighting Illini
Returning Production: 60%
Illinois enters 2025 with a solid defense but some key questions on offense. The defense, led by standout linebacker Devyne O’Neal, will continue to be the team’s strength. Offensively, Illinois will rely on quarterback Tommy DeVito to make strides, and the offensive line will need to improve. While Illinois doesn’t have as much returning production as some of the other programs, head coach Bret Bielema is building a competitive roster.
Key Players Returning:
- QB Tommy DeVito
- LB Devyne O’Neal
- DL Johnny Newton
12. Indiana Hoosiers
Returning Production: 55%
Indiana will be relying on some young talent to fill gaps in 2025. The Hoosiers return several key players on defense, including linebacker Cam Jones, and have potential at quarterback with Connor Bazelak returning. However, their offensive line and wide receiver corps need significant improvements. Indiana will be looking to rebuild after a tough stretch, and while there is some returning talent, they remain a work in progress.
Key Players Returning:
- QB Connor Bazelak
- LB Cam Jones
- DB Tiawan Mullen
13. Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Returning Production: 50%
Rutgers enters 2025 with a moderate amount of returning talent, particularly on defense. The Scarlet Knights have solid depth in the secondary, but the offensive line remains a major area of concern. Noah Vedral returns at quarterback, but Rutgers will need to improve significantly on both sides of the ball to compete in the Big Ten.
Key Players Returning:
- QB Noah Vedral
- LB Mohamed Toure
- DB Christian Braswell
14. Michigan State Spartans
Returning Production: 45%
Michigan State faces challenges in 2025, with key departures on both sides of the ball. While the Spartans return some important players, particularly on defense, they will have to reload in several key positions. Michigan State’s ability to develop talent and get contributions from younger players will be crucial to their success.
Key Players Returning:
- QB Payton Thorne
- LB Cal Haladay
- WR Jaden Reed
