Kevin McGuire, Nittany Lions Wire·Nittany Lions Wire
·
2 min read
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
USC scored a massive win over Ohio State in Week 9 on the Big Ten schedule, and quarterback Jayden Maiava played a key part in that result. This is to be expected as Maiava came into the week as the Big Ten's leading passer in yardage and touchdowns thrown. Maiava passed for 222 yards and a touchdown in the statement win game for theTrojanson Saturday night to pad his lead on the Big Ten's passing yardage leaderboard and take control of the Big Ten's passing touchdown lead.
Ohio State's Julian Sayin remains second in the Big Ten in passing yards and passing touchdowns, but his being out definitely means that will not last much longer. Purdue's Ryan Browne is likely to pass Sayin in passing yardage next week, and USC's Maiava will be poised to create even more breathing room in the race for the passing yardage title.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
It was a rough weekend for some of the Big Ten's top passers, including Purdue's Ryan Browne against Penn State and Indiana's Josh Hoover, who left Indiana's overtime game with an injury at halftime.
Here are the Big Ten's top 10 passing-yardage leaders following theresults of Week 9.
1. Jayden Maiava, USC
Sep 4, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) throws the ball before the game against the Fresno State Bulldogs at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Passing yards: 2524
Passing TDs: 20 (leads Big Ten)
Interceptions: 5
2. Julian Sayin, Ohio State
Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin (10) throws under pressure from Penn State Nittany Lions defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton (33) during the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 1, 2025.
Passing yards: 2,007
Passing TDs: 19
Interceptions: 4
3. Ryan Browne, Purdue
Nov 28, 2025; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Purdue Boilermakers quarterback Ryan Browne (15) throws a pass during the fourth quarter against the Indiana Hoosiers at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images
Passing yards: 1964
Passing TDs: 11
Interceptions: 5
4. Aidan Chiles, Northwestern
Northwestern’s Aidan Chiles throws a pass against Michigan State during the fourth quarter on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.
Passing yards: 1898
Passing TDs: 13
Interceptions: 1
5. Josh Hoover, Indiana
Sep 25, 2026; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Josh Hoover (10) celebrates after running for a touchdown against the Northwestern Wildcats during the second half at Merchants Bank Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
Passing yards: 1860
Passing TDs: 19
Interceptions: 2
6. Rocco Becht, Penn State
Sep 26, 2026; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Rocco Becht (3) looks to throw a pass during the first quarter against the Wisconsin Badgers at West Shore Home Field at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images
Passing yards: 1839
Passing TDs: 13
Interceptions: 5
7. Anthony Colandrea, Nebraska
Nebraska’s Anthony Colandrea throws a pass against Michigan State during the first quarter on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, in East Lansing.
Passing yards: 1824
Passing TDs: 15
Interceptions: 7
8. Malik Washington, Maryland
Sep 19, 2026; College Park, Maryland, USA; Maryland Terrapins quarterback Malik Washington (7) passes in the first half against the Virginia Tech Hokies at SECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images
Passing yards: 1805
Passing TDs: 9
Interceptions: 7
9. Katin Houser, Illinois
Illinois Fighting Illini quarterback Katin Houser (4) runs the ball during the first half against the Southern Illinois Salukis at Gies Memorial Stadium.
Passing yards: 1663
Passing TDs: 13
Interceptions: 5
10. Drake Lindsey, Minnesota
Minnesota Golden Gophers quarterback Drake Lindsey (5) motions to his team in the first quarter Sep 26, 2026 at Husky Stadium.
Passing yards: 1592
Passing TDs: 10
Interceptions: 6
Oct 17, 2026; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Carson Hansen (21) runs the ball pressured by Michigan Wolverines linebacker Chase Taylor (4) at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
(Rick Osentoski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 17, 2026; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines defensive end Carter Meadows (14) tackles Penn State Nittany Lions running back Carson Hansen (21) in the second half at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
(Rick Osentoski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 17, 2026; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Rocco Becht (3) looks to pass in the second half against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
(Rick Osentoski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 17, 2026; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions tight end Gabe Burkle (84) runs the ball in the second half against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
(Rick Osentoski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 17, 2026; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Carson Hansen (21) runs the ball pressured by Michigan Wolverines linebacker Chase Taylor (4) at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
(Rick Osentoski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 17, 2026; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach Matt Campbell reacts in the first quarter against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
(Rick Osentoski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 17, 2026; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions wide receiver Chase Sowell (0) makes a catch defended by by Michigan Wolverines defensive back Jyaire Hill (0) in the first half at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
(Rick Osentoski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Penn State cornerback Zion Tracy (7) intercepts a pass intended for Michigan wide receiver Andrew Marsh (3) during the first half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oct 17, 2026; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions cornerback Zion Tracy (7) interceptes the ball in the first half against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
(Rick Osentoski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 17, 2026; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions wide receiver Brett Eskildsen (4) makes a catch in the first quarter against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
(Rick Osentoski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Michigan head coach Kyle Whittingham watches a replay of quarterback Bryce Underwood’s interception by Penn State during the first half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Michigan wide receiver JJ Buchanan (6) makes a catch against Penn State safety Jamison Patton (3) during the first half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oct 17, 2026; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; The Penn State Nittany Lions mascot preforms before the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
(Rick Osentoski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 17, 2026; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines running back Jordan Marshall (23) runs hte ball in the first quarter against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
(Rick Osentoski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Michigan cornerback Jyaire Hill (0) tackles Penn State wide receiver Chase Sowell (0) during the first half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Penn State cornerback Zion Tracy (7) intercepts a pass intended for Michigan wide receiver Andrew Marsh (3) during the first half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Michigan running back Savion Hiter (5) runs against Penn State cornerback Daryus Dixson (5) during the first half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Penn State quarterback Rocco Becht (3) throws against Michigan during the first half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oct 17, 2026; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions wide receiver leaps for the ball in the first half against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
(Rick Osentoski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Michigan safety Chris Bracy (7) and cornerback Jyaire Hill (0) tackle Penn State running back Carson Hansen (21) during the first half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
1/20
Best Penn State football photos from the Michigan game
Oct 17, 2026; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Carson Hansen (21) runs the ball pressured by Michigan Wolverines linebacker Chase Taylor (4) at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
(Rick Osentoski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
1/20
Best Penn State football photos from the Michigan game
Oct 17, 2026; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Carson Hansen (21) runs the ball pressured by Michigan Wolverines linebacker Chase Taylor (4) at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
(Rick Osentoski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
2/20
5 major takeaways from Penn State’s frustrating loss at Michigan
Oct 17, 2026; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines defensive end Carter Meadows (14) tackles Penn State Nittany Lions running back Carson Hansen (21) in the second half at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
(Rick Osentoski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
3/20
5 major takeaways from Penn State’s frustrating loss at Michigan
Oct 17, 2026; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Rocco Becht (3) looks to pass in the second half against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
(Rick Osentoski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
4/20
Best Penn State football photos from the Michigan game
Oct 17, 2026; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions tight end Gabe Burkle (84) runs the ball in the second half against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
(Rick Osentoski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
5/20
Best Penn State football photos from the Michigan game
Oct 17, 2026; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Carson Hansen (21) runs the ball pressured by Michigan Wolverines linebacker Chase Taylor (4) at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
(Rick Osentoski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
6/20
Best Penn State football photos from the Michigan game
Oct 17, 2026; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach Matt Campbell reacts in the first quarter against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
(Rick Osentoski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
7/20
Best Penn State football photos from the Michigan game
Oct 17, 2026; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions wide receiver Chase Sowell (0) makes a catch defended by by Michigan Wolverines defensive back Jyaire Hill (0) in the first half at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
(Rick Osentoski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
8/20
Best Penn State football photos from the Michigan game
Penn State cornerback Zion Tracy (7) intercepts a pass intended for Michigan wide receiver Andrew Marsh (3) during the first half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
9/20
Best Penn State football photos from the Michigan game
Oct 17, 2026; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions cornerback Zion Tracy (7) interceptes the ball in the first half against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
(Rick Osentoski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
10/20
Best Penn State football photos from the Michigan game
Oct 17, 2026; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions wide receiver Brett Eskildsen (4) makes a catch in the first quarter against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
(Rick Osentoski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
11/20
Best Penn State football photos from the Michigan game
Michigan head coach Kyle Whittingham watches a replay of quarterback Bryce Underwood’s interception by Penn State during the first half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
12/20
Best Penn State football photos from the Michigan game
Michigan wide receiver JJ Buchanan (6) makes a catch against Penn State safety Jamison Patton (3) during the first half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
13/20
Best Penn State football photos from the Michigan game
Oct 17, 2026; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; The Penn State Nittany Lions mascot preforms before the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
(Rick Osentoski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
14/20
Best Penn State football photos from the Michigan game
Oct 17, 2026; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines running back Jordan Marshall (23) runs hte ball in the first quarter against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
(Rick Osentoski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
15/20
5 major takeaways from Penn State’s frustrating loss at Michigan
Michigan cornerback Jyaire Hill (0) tackles Penn State wide receiver Chase Sowell (0) during the first half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
16/20
Best Penn State football photos from the Michigan game
Penn State cornerback Zion Tracy (7) intercepts a pass intended for Michigan wide receiver Andrew Marsh (3) during the first half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
17/20
Best Penn State football photos from the Michigan game
Michigan running back Savion Hiter (5) runs against Penn State cornerback Daryus Dixson (5) during the first half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
18/20
Best Penn State football photos from the Michigan game
Penn State quarterback Rocco Becht (3) throws against Michigan during the first half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026.
(Junfu Han, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
19/20
Best Penn State football photos from the Michigan game
Oct 17, 2026; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions wide receiver leaps for the ball in the first half against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
(Rick Osentoski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
20/20
Best Penn State football photos from the Michigan game
Michigan safety Chris Bracy (7) and cornerback Jyaire Hill (0) tackle Penn State running back Carson Hansen (21) during the first half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026.
