J.T. Barrett Breaks Drew Brees' Big Ten Single-Season Record with 43 Touchdowns

Ohio State freshman quarterback J.T. Barrett is the new single-season touchdown king in the Big Ten after tallying his 43rd total touchdown early in the Buckeyes' rivalry clash with Michigan.

ESPN Stats and Info confirmed the mark:

College GameDay noted former Purdue and current New Orleans Saints star Drew Brees previously held the record at 42:

Nicole Auerbach of USA Today noted that Barrett's touchdowns have come at the perfect time for the Buckeyes:

Barrett set the new standard with a six-yard strike to Nick Vannett, who was wide open in the flat and waltzed across the goal line. It gave the freshman 34 passing touchdowns to go along with nine more on the ground in his first collegiate season.

Barrett has emerged as a legitimate playmaking star this season for Ohio State, although his starting spot in 2015 is still far from assured. With senior Braxton Miller returning from a shoulder injury next year, Barrett will have to further prove to Buckeyes fans and coaches that he's the man for the job. 

Not bad for a player who was only installed as the starter approximately two weeks before the 2014 season opener.