As spring practices begin across the Big Ten, attention naturally turns to the quarterbacks and the playmakers they’ll rely on in the passing game. Some connections are already proven, while others are just beginning to develop.
Whether built on returning chemistry or new pairings with high upside, these quarterback–receiver duos could become some of the most dangerous in the conference during the 2026 season.
HM. QB Demond Williams Jr. & WR Dezman Roebuck
Roebuck was a solid option in Washington’s offense as a true freshman. If both he and Williams continue to develop, the connection has the potential to become one of the more dangerous passing combinations in the conference.
5. QB Bryce Underwood & WR Andrew Marsh
This young Michigan duo quietly put together a strong season in 2025. Underwood posted typical freshman numbers — 186 yards per game with 11 touchdowns and nine interceptions — but developed a clear connection with Marsh.
Marsh finished the year with 45 receptions for 651 yards and four touchdowns, accounting for roughly 25% of Michigan’s receiving production. With WR2 Donaven McCulley currently in the NFL Draft process, Marsh could see an even larger role in the Wolverines’ offense in 2026.
4. QB Jayden Maiava & WR Tanook Hines
USC had an impressive 2025 season, but Maiava’s top two targets are now headed to the NFL. That leaves Hines as a potential breakout option for the Trojans.
Hines still produced over 500 yards on just 34 receptions last season and appears poised for a larger role in USC’s young receiving corps. If that increased workload materializes, this duo could climb quickly up this list.
3. QB Josh Hoover & WR Nick Marsh
Hoover and Marsh are the only transfer pairing on this list, meaning their chemistry will need to develop quickly.
Fortunately for Hoover, Marsh has shown he can produce regardless of who’s throwing him the ball. At Michigan State last season, Marsh caught nearly 60 passes for 662 yards and six touchdowns despite the Spartans rotating between two starting quarterbacks.
Hoover brings a strong track record of spreading the ball around. Last season, he helped three receivers eclipse 500 yards, including a 1,190-yard campaign from Eric McAllister, his primary target.
It’s early, but the combination of Hoover’s production and Marsh’s reliability could make this one of the more intriguing passing duos in the conference.
2. QB Dante Moore & TE Jamari Johnson
Technically a tight end, but Johnson functions as much as a receiver as he does a blocker.
At 6-foot-5 and nearly 260 pounds, Johnson is a dangerous mismatch in the passing game. Oregon heavily involved its tight ends in 2025, with the group combining for 86 receptions and 1,096 yards. Much of that production was split between TE1 Terrance Ferguson’s successor and Johnson, who spent much of the season as the TE2.
Moore has never been hesitant to attack vertically with his tight ends and also creates opportunities for them to gain yards after the catch. With Johnson already viewed as one of the top returning tight ends in the nation, this pairing could take a major step forward in 2026.
1. QB Julian Sayin & WR Jeremiah Smith
Some connections speak for themselves.
Jeremiah Smith has been one of the most dominant receivers in college football since his freshman season, while Julian Sayin has developed a reputation as one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the country.
If Smith can avoid the minor injuries that slowed him at times last year, this duo could realistically combine for 1,500 yards and 15 touchdowns, making them the most dangerous quarterback–receiver pairing in the Big Ten entering the 2026 season.