Isaiah Williams, Jalen Berger, and Other Big Ten Breakout Bets

1. WR Isaiah Williams, Illinois

The Illini’s leading receiver as a sophomore, he has a chance to put up much bigger numbers as a junior with new quarterback Luke Altmyer throwing him the ball. Altmyer is a more natural passer, and don’t be surprised when Williams tops 1,000 yards.

Oct 29, 2022; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini wide receiver Isaiah Williams (1) runs for a touchdown against the Nebraska Cornhuskers during the first quarter at Memorial Stadium.

2. RB Jalen Berger, Michigan State

A former top-100 recruit, Berger left Wisconsin after his freshman season in 2020 and spent last two seasons splitting time in the Spartans backfield. But he’s the main man now and has shown flashes of greatness at times. A long strider with good hands as well, he can be a versatile piece in the pass game on top of being an effective runner.

Sep 10, 2022; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan State Spartans running back Jalen Berger (8) evades Akron Zips linebacker Bubba Arslanian (27) for a first down.

3. RB Roman Hemby, Maryland

The Terrapins are still a pass-first attack, but Hemby showed a lot as a sophomore as a reliable back who has a nose for the end zone. If he can improve his pass protection, he’ll barely come off the field in 2023.