The Big Ten conference is undoubtedly one of the strongest conferences in all of college football with a bit of a reputation revolving around hard-nosed downfield running game football. This is a reputation that I for one take pride in as an Ohio State football fan, but when I think about the upcoming season in 2022 and the rushing dominance that is usually featured, I can’t help but wonder who is going to carry the torch.
Kenneth Walker III from Michigan State and Hassan Haskins from Michigan have gone to the NFL, but someone always steps up to the plate to contend as a game-breaking running back in the heartland.
Here are the top five returning rushers in the Big Ten for 2022.
Braelon Allen, Wisconsin
Wisconsin Badgers running back Braelon Allen (0) runs through drills during the University of Wisconsin spring football practice at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison on Thursday, March 31, 2022. Credit: USA TODAY Sports Network
Braelon Allen finished last season as the third leading rusher in the Big Ten last season with 1,268 rushing yards. With Kenneth Walker III and Hassan Haskins gone, he is the most likely to earn the Big Ten rushing title.
TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State
Ohio State Buckeyes running back TreVeyon Henderson (32) is tackled by Penn State Nittany Lions linebacker Jesse Luketa (40) during Saturday’s NCAA Division I football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on October 30, 2021. Credit: USA TODAY Sports Network
TreVeyon Henderson lit the Big Ten on fire as a true freshman as he was fourth in the Big Ten with 1,255 rushing yards on the season. He may actually be getting slept on as far as national recognition goes.
Evan Hull, Northwestern
Nov 27, 2021; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Northwestern Wildcats running back Evan Hull (26) carries the ball during the first half against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium. Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Evan Hull ended last season as the sixth-leading rusher in the Big Ten with 1,009 rushing yards and…