The Big Ten saw some of its top wide receivers put on some shows in Week 1 of the college football season, with a Heisman Trophy candidate, All-Big Ten-caliber receivers, and rising stars all helping their teams on the field to start the season.
USC wide receiver Trent Mosley is leading the Big Ten in receiving yards after Week 1. However, it is worth a reminder that USC is the only Big Ten team to have played two games so far, having played in Week 0 and Week 1. Regardless, it has been a nice start for the freshman wide receiver for the Trojans. Mosley has averaged 111 receiving yards per game through his two games played, which still keeps him in the top 10 of the Big Ten in terms of average receiving yards per game.
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Penn State wide receiver Koby Howard had a big performance for the Nittany Lions in Week 1 after being used sparingly in 2025. Howard has already eclipsed his 2025 season receiving yards total after just one game played this season. KJ Duff of Rutgers had a massive game with his receiving total in Week 1, although his yards came in a losing effort with some big plays late in the game with the game already well out of reach.
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Not to be forgotten in Week 1 was Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, arguably the top wide receiver in the Big Ten and the nation. Smith got off to a fast start before getting an early rest in Ohio State‘s lopsided victory in Week 1. Smith picked up 151 yards and 2 touchdowns in his first game of the season.
Here are the Big Ten’s top 10 leaders in receiving yards after Week 1.
1. Trent Mosley, USC
Sep 4, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans wide receiver Trent Mosley (4) s cores on a 68-yard touchdown reception against the Fresno State Bulldogs in the first half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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2. KJ Duff, Rutgers
Sep 5, 2026; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions wide receiver Koby Howard (6) makes a catch during the second quarter against the Marshall Thundering Herd at West Shore Home Field at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images
4. Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State
6. Kayden Dixon-Wyatt, USC
Michigan wide receiver JJ Buchanan catches the game-winning pass with no time left on the clock to beat Western Michigan at Michigan Stadium on Sept. 05, 2026.
Best photos form Penn State’s season-opener against Marshall
Sep 5, 2026; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Marshall Thundering Herd quarterback Carlos Del Rio-Wilson (7) looks to throw a pass during the first quarter against the Penn State Nittany Lions at West Shore Home Field at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images
(Matthew O’Haren, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos form Penn State’s season-opener against Marshall
Sep 5, 2026; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Marshall Thundering Herd quarterback Carlos Del Rio-Wilson (7) looks to throw a pass during the first quarter against the Penn State Nittany Lions at West Shore Home Field at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images
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(Matthew O’Haren, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos form Penn State’s season-opener against Marshall
Sep 5, 2026; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Rocco Becht (3) throws a pass during the first quarter against the Marshall Thundering Herd at West Shore Home Field at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images
(Matthew O’Haren, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos form Penn State’s season-opener against Marshall
Sep 5, 2026; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions wide receiver Chase Sowell (0) runs with the ball during the first quarter against the Marshall Thundering Herd at West Shore Home Field at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images
(Matthew O’Haren, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos form Penn State’s season-opener against Marshall
Sep 5, 2026; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions wide receiver Zay Robinson (2) runs with the ball on the opening kickoff during the first quarter against the Marshall Thundering Herd at West Shore Home Field at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images
(Matthew O’Haren, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos form Penn State’s season-opener against Marshall
Sep 5, 2026; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions wide receiver Zay Robinson (2) runs with the ball on the opening kickoff during the first quarter against the Marshall Thundering Herd at West Shore Home Field at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images
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(Matthew O’Haren, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos form Penn State’s season-opener against Marshall
Sep 5, 2026; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Marshall Thundering Herd running back Jo’Shon Barbie (6) pushes through the Penn State Nittany Lions defense during the first quarter at West Shore Home Field at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images
(Matthew O’Haren, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Penn State postgame report card: Grading Nittany Lions vs. Marshall
Sep 5, 2026; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Marshall Thundering Herd running back Jo’Shon Barbie (6) pushes through the Penn State Nittany Lions defense during the first quarter at West Shore Home Field at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images
(Matthew O’Haren, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Penn State WR Koby Howard says he is just getting started after Week 1
Sep 5, 2026; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions wide receiver Koby Howard (6) runs with the ball which would result in a touchdown during the first quarter against the Marshall Thundering Herd at West Shore Home Field at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images
(Matthew O’Haren, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos form Penn State’s season-opener against Marshall
Sep 5, 2026; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions wide receiver Koby Howard (6) runs with the ball which would result in a touchdown during the first quarter against the Marshall Thundering Herd at West Shore Home Field at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images
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(Matthew O’Haren, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos form Penn State’s season-opener against Marshall
Sep 5, 2026; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Marshall Thundering Herd running back Judah Price (10) leaps forward with the ball on a runt return during the first quarter against the Penn State Nittany Lions at West Shore Home Field at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images
(Matthew O’Haren, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos form Penn State’s season-opener against Marshall
Sep 5, 2026; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions safety Jamison Patton (3) reacts following a tackle during the first quarter against the Marshall Thundering Herd at West Shore Home Field at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images
(Matthew O’Haren, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos form Penn State’s season-opener against Marshall
Sep 5, 2026; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Marshall Thundering Herd quarterback Carlos Del Rio-Wilson (7) throws a pass during the first quarter against the Penn State Nittany Lions at West Shore Home Field at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images
(Matthew O’Haren, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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5 things to watch for Penn State football in Week 2 vs. Temple
Sep 5, 2026; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Rocco Becht (3) reacts from the sideline during the first quarter against the Marshall Thundering Herd at West Shore Home Field at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images
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(Matthew O’Haren, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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