Top five returning kick return leaders

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, passers, receivers, and overall scorers in the Big Ten, but the top five returning kick returners may be even more interesting.

Kick returners don’t typically move the needle, but the Ohio State Buckeyes have a good one and special teams can play a key role in some major contests. Looking into these lists really shows how dominant Ohio State can be in the Big Ten.

Let’s get into it.

1
Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State

Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (2) and long snapper Bradley Robinson (42) warm up during the spring football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on April 16, 2022.
Ncaa Football Ohio State Spring Game. Credit: USA TODAY Sports Network

Emeka Egbuka is going to be a star receiver, but he has already proven to be a star kick returner as he was the Big Ten leader averaging 29 yards per kick return.

2
Charlie Jones, Iowa

Iowa wide receiver Charlie Jones returns a punt during the Hawkeyes’ final spring NCAA football practice, Saturday, April 23, 2022, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
220423 Iowa Spring Fb 014 Jpg

Iowa’s Charlie Jones entered the transfer portal today, but I started this piece before that and there is no going back! The 2021 Big Ten Returner of the Year was second in the Big Ten last season averaging 25.4 yards per return.

3
Blake Corum, Michigan

Blake Corum runs the ball during the Michigan spring game on April 2, 2022, at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor. Credit: USA TODAY Sports Network

We already know the hype surrounding Michigan’s Blake Corum and PFF’s top returning running back in the Big Ten is also a…