Big Ten football has plenty of offensive standouts, but these five players could become breakout stars in 2024.
We’ve already previewed defensive breakout stars in the Big Ten, so now it’s time for the offensive breakouts. With the addition of the four teams, there is no shortage of offensive talent in the league. So let’s look at five offensive breakout candidates in Big Ten football for the 2024 season.
Darius Taylor: RB, Minnesota
Minnesota has been a heavy run team for the last decade. That has not changed under head coach P.J. Fleck. Minnesota was top 10 in rush attempts per game in 2021 and 2022. In 2023 they slipped a little, but still ranked 31st in college football. The offense has struggled to throw the football so it has been a heavy dose of the run. That was seen in the bowl game where Darius Taylor rushed the ball 35 times in a win.
Taylor only had one rush in Week 1, but through Week 2-4, he had over 100 yards per game. He would struggle with injuries the rest of the year and was unhealthy until the bowl game. Taylor was only a three-star prospect but showed on the field that he is a difference maker. He was able to make tough yards and run through contact, as 65 percent of his yards were after contact. If he can stay healthy throughout the football season, I think he will be near the top in rushing yards in the Big Ten.
Tyler Morris: WR, Michigan
The Michigan Wolverines won the national championship last year but, lost a lot of talent from the 2023 team. The offense will rely on the ground game again with senior Donovan Edwards. However, they still will need to stay balance with the passing game. Roman Wilson and Cornelius Johnson are gone, so there will need to be a new go to receiver.
Tyler Morris could be the next man up. He was a top 100 prospect in 2022 but had under 200 yards receiving last year. Morris did have a crucial touchdown against Alabama in the playoffs where he showed off his speed. He did not have much production in the spring game but was targeted often and had an end-around when the first team offense was on the field. Head coach Sherone Moore has said he plans to push the ball down the field more, and Morris could be the beneficiary of that.
Kaden Feagin: RB, Illinois
Kaden Feagin was one of the under the radar freshman I really liked coming into college last year. He was only a three-star recruit and listed as an athlete (instead of given a specific position) but showed great skill in his freshman year. Feagin was second on the team in attempts and rushing yards.
2024-25 B1G Ten Breakout Player Candidate:
Illinois RB Kaden Feagin is listed 6’3 250lbs! pic.twitter.com/heOx3m8f4L
— B1G Hood (@HoodHusky) June 10, 2024
Feagin is a powerful runner but has good speed for his size. He’s shown breakaway ability as a freshman, which is important.
Illinois is not as bad at passing the ball as aforementioned Minnesota, but the team needs to rely on the run game. Feagin should take over the main back role and be utilized much like Chase Brown in his last year for the Illini. Make sure to keep an eye out for him in Devy fantasy football leagues, too.
Kaden Saunders: WR, Penn State
Kaden Saunders was a top 100 prospect and No. 12 wide receiver in the 2022 class. In his first two years, he has not seen the field much. In fact, he only has 12 targets and eight receptions in two years. Penn State’s leading receiver from a year ago has entered the transfer portal, so there will be a new WR1 for the Nittany Lions. Saunders will compete against Julian Fleming, who transferred in from Ohio State.
The offense will be moving to more of a spread attack, allowing Saunders to use his speed and route running in space. The offense was predictable last year and needs to be able to have more explosive plays. Fleming will be playing on the outside and get opposing team’s best corner, so Saunders should have more freedom to roam the field and have yards after the catch opportunities.
Jeremiah Hunter: WR, Washington
I wanted to make sure to give the new teams from the west some love. Jeremiah Hunter is a transfer from California and steps into a great opportunity. The Huskies are losing their top three receivers who have left and moved on to the NFL. Hunter was not a highly rated prospect but had a good career at California.
Jeremiah Hunter just made one of the best catches you’ll see all year pic.twitter.com/G7wEgnfVb4
— karan (@905Kar) September 24, 2023
Hunter saw only 31 targets his freshman year but had a breakout in 2022 with 965 yards and five touchdowns. He saw a decrease in yards and yards per catch in 2023 but should see plenty of targets in a more pass friendly offense under new coach Jedd Fisch. Under his coaching, Arizona was top 10 in passing attempts the last two years. The Huskies will have to throw a ton and Hunter could move up draft boards with a great senior season.
Brandon Haye
Brandon grew up in Jacksonville, Florida and works as a health insurance data analyst. He has no children, but two fur babies - Squirt and Brownie. He and his wife, Katie, spend their time playing poker and enjoying time with their pups. Brandon is a huge Michigan Wolverine and Jacksonville Jaguars fan. He at one time was in 77 fantasy leagues and loves the game of football. Brandon started writing for The Leauge Winners in 2021.