By Dorrington Myers
I recently broke down my top five offensive coordinators and quarterback duos in the ACC for 2025, and now it’s time to turn our attention to the Big Ten, a conference that had no shortage of action last season. From thrilling finishes to breakout performances, the Big Ten brought plenty of firepower on Saturdays. As new faces step up and familiar names look to strengthen their game, the 2025 season promises even more excitement. So without further delay, let’s dive into my top five offensive coordinators in the Big Ten, and the quarterbacks they’re riding with this fall.
Here are my top five offensive coordinators in the Big Ten heading into the 2025 season.
1. Andy Kotelnicki/Drew Allar, Penn State
This offense is loaded, and built to attack. Sure, the Nittany Lions faced their share of adversity in the College Football Playoff, but heading into 2025, the foundation is rock solid. It starts with their quarterback, Allar. He’s a poised decision-maker, takes care of the football, and isn’t afraid to stretch the field vertically.
That vertical pressure opens up lanes for one of the most dangerous backfield tandems in the country: Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen, both of whom eclipsed 1,000 yards last season. Kotelnicki isn’t just aggressive, he’s calculated. You’ll see him blend modern spread looks with old school staples like the option, yes, the same option that still gives defenses fits. And don’t forget about the wildcat. When you line up your best runners directly behind center, it sends a message: We’re coming right at you and good luck stopping it.
Penn State is built to bully, and if they get rolling early, they’ll be a nightmare to deal with in the Big Ten. One more thing keep your eyes on freshman wideout Davion Brown out of Trinity. I’ve seen this young man growing up through the ranks, and trust me, he’s not your average high school star. He’s physically gifted, advanced in his technique, and ready to make an immediate impact. The Nittany Lions didn’t just reload, they upgraded.
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2. Will Stein/Dante Moore, Oregon
Moore had the rare opportunity to sit and learn behind Dillon Gabriel last season, a luxury most young quarterbacks don’t get. Now, the expectations in Eugene, Ore. aren’t just high, they’re sky-high. This isn’t about making a bowl game. It’s about chasing a national title. Stein’s offense isn’t overly complicated—defenses just can’t stop it. His mission is simple: get the ball into the hands of his best playmakers as often and as fast as possible.
Whether it’s quick screens, jet sweeps, or explosive RPOs, Oregon’s tempo and spacing will stretch defenses to their limit. Stein drills the fundamentals relentlessly: be the most physical team on the field, establish the run, demand elite perimeter blocking from wideouts and always win situational football. One connection to watch closely? Dante Moore to Dakorien Moore. If this duo clicks, and with Oregon’s offensive line providing a rock solid foundation, the Ducks could be looking at a serious playoff run.
© Chris Pietsch/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK
3. Mike Shanahan/Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
In the game of inches, discipline often determines the winner, and few teams play with more of it than Indiana. The Hoosiers are fundamentally sound, well-coached, and relentless in their execution.
One area where they thrived last season? The back-shoulder pass. It became their calling card, and no defense had an answer for it. Now, with Mendoza stepping in at quarterback, that passing game might level up even more. His timing, poise and football IQ fit Shanahan’s system like a glove. This duo feels like a perfect match, and if early signs are any indication, Indiana isn’t slowing down, they’re shifting into a higher gear.
© Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
4. Brian Hartline/Julian Sayin, Ohio State
Say what you want, but Ohio State is built to run it back. Fresh off a national championship, the Buckeyes aren’t just aiming to repeat, they expect to. Now, Hartline takes the reins as offensive play-caller. Some might question his experience, but calling plays is a skill that can be learned fast when you’ve got the right instincts, and Hartline knows exactly what he’s working with.
This offense is stacked, starting with a loaded receiving corps led by the electric Jeremiah Smith. At quarterback, all eyes are on first-year starter Sayin, a former five-star prospect with poise, precision and the full backing of Buckeye Nation. Hartline’s got the talent, the trust and the tools. If Sayin settles in early, this offense might be even scarier than last year’s.
5. Jeff Grimes/Billy Edwards Jr., Wisconsin
This is a team that’s all business. No frills, no fluff. Just a physical, downhill approach that wears you down. The Badgers are going to run the ball, and they’re going to do it often. Grimes blends outside zone runs with a deadly play-action package, using motion to create confusion and force defenders into bad decisions. It’s tough, smart football, and with Edwards at the helm, I like what this offense brings to the table.
© Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Final Remarks
The Big Ten remains one of the most formidable conferences in college football, and it isn’t slowing down anytime soon. I expect this to be a season filled with standout quarterback play from top to bottom.
To sum up the mindset needed to survive in this era of college football, I’ll borrow a quote from Jon Gruden, one of my favorites: “Everyone has dreams … I’m into nightmares.”
https://twitter.com/BadgerFootball/status/1911097449847939475
In the relentless pursuit of a national championship, the path demands aggression, toughness and a willingness to crush the hopes of anyone in the way. And in this conference? You’ll find more than a few teams that are built to do exactly that.
