Here is a quick glance at who is leading the Big Ten in three main offensive categories entering Week 13.
Passing Leaders: A New Era Under Center
The quarterback landscape in the Big Ten has taken a wild turn this season, led by USC’s Jayden Maiava, who tops the conference with 2,868 passing yards and 18 touchdowns. Close behind are Rutgers’ Athan Kaliakmanis (2,705 yards) and Ohio State’s Julian Sayin (2,675 yards, 25 TDs) — each showing off elite command in high-octane offenses.
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While Penn State’s freshman Ethan Grunkemeyer sits outside the top 10 with 689 yards and 4 touchdowns across eight games, his development remains one of the team’s biggest storylines heading into 2026. With Drew Allar’s departure, the Nittany Lions are clearly in transition mode at quarterback, but Grunkemeyer’s efficiency — a 64.9% completion rate — offers hope for a steady future.
Rushing Leaders: Kaytron Allen Keeps Penn State Relevant
If there’s one area where Penn State continues to thrive, it’s the ground game. Kaytron Allen, now a senior, ranks third in the Big Ten with 917 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns through 10 games. His physical running style and ability to find seams between tackles have made him the offense’s heartbeat once again.Teammate Nicholas Singleton also cracks the top 25, adding 419 yards and nine touchdowns, proving the Nittany Lions still have one of the most balanced backfields in the nation.
Elsewhere, Nebraska’s Emmett Johnson has taken the top spot with 1,131 yards, followed by Rutgers’ Antwan Raymond (1,000 yards) — both helping their programs stay bowl-eligible down the stretch. Michigan’s Jordan Marshall (871 yards, 10 TDs) and Ohio State freshman Bo Jackson (725 yards) round out a strong top five that sets the tone for the conference’s physical brand of football.
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Receiving Leaders: Penn State’s Veterans Holding Steady
Penn State hasn’t produced a breakout wideout this season, but its senior depth has been steady. Trebor Peña leads the Lions with 369 yards, while Devonte Ross sits close behind at 360 yards and five touchdowns — both ranking in the top 35 across the Big Ten.
The top of the leaderboard, however, belongs to USC’s Makai Lemon, who has exploded for 1,090 yards and eight scores. Rutgers’ K.J. Duff (923 yards) and Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith (902 yards, 10 TDs) are right behind him, showcasing the Big Ten’s new emphasis on explosive vertical attacks.
Penn State’s offense isn’t built to chase deep-ball fireworks — it’s a team that wins by staying disciplined and controlling tempo — but having consistent contributors in Peña and Ross gives Grunkemeyer much-needed security.
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Penn State’s Position in the Race
Penn State may not boast a top passer or receiver in the 2025 stat sheets, but its balance remains its weapon. Between Allen’s elite production and a developing quarterback in Grunkemeyer, the Lions still have one of the conference’s most complete offensive foundations.
The road ahead won’t be easy — especially with Ohio State and Michigan still dominating — but the numbers prove Penn State hasn’t fallen far behind. If the Lions can pair their rushing consistency with a more explosive passing element, they’ll remain a threat down the stretch and into 2026.
This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Big Ten offensive stat leaders entering Week 13
