The NFL draft is in the books and the annual spring games have come to an end across the Big Ten and it is time to start diving into who to watch and what to expect during the 2022 season. We already dove into the top five returning rushers in the Big Ten, but the top five returning passers may be even more interesting.
Despite the Big Ten having a reputation for strong running games and low-scoring contests, there are a few quarterbacks returning that sure know how to sling the rock. The top five returning passers should be obvious, but a few may surprise you.
Of course, you know about Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud, but what does it look like behind him?
C.J. Stroud, Ohio State
Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback C.J. Stroud throws a pass during the fourth quarter of the Rose Bowl against the Utah Utes in Pasadena, Calif. on Jan. 1, 2022. Syndication: The Columbus Dispatch
C.J. Stroud is likely to be a first-round selection in 2023 and the fact that he led the Big Ten in passing yards with 4,435 as a redshirt freshman is mindblowing.
Aidan O’Connell, Purdue
Purdue quarterback Aidan O’Connell (16) during practice, Monday, Feb. 28, 2022, at Mollenkopf Athletic Center in West Lafayette. Credit: USA TODAY Sports Network
It may be shocking, but Aidan O’Connell was able to take advantage of the pass-happy Purdue offense and ended the season second in the Big Ten in passing with 3,711 yards.
Taulia Tagovailoa, Maryland
Dec 29, 2021; New York, NY, USA; Maryland Terrapins quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa (3) is tackled by Virginia Tech Hokies defensive back Jalen Stroman (26) during the second half of the 2021 Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Taulia Tagovailoa is consistently viewed as a sleeper candidate and his stats back that up as he finished last season third in the Big Ten with 3,874 passing yards.
Payton Thorne, Michigan State
Michigan State quarterback Payton Thorne runs the offense during the spring practice on Saturday,…