Big Ten Football: Power Ranking The Receivers Heading Into Week 3

The Big Ten Conference has several Heisman Trophy hopefuls at quarterback.

Those quarterbacks rely on their wide receivers to put up big numbers.

The Big Ten is not a passing conference, only one team is in the top 40 nationally in passing yards per game, but has some very good receivers.

Here are the top five Big Ten receivers through two weeks.

No. 5 Dane Sanzenbacher, Ohio State

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COLUMBUS, OH - SEPTEMBER 2: Dane Sanzenbacher #12 of the Ohio State Buckeyes runs with the ball against the Marshall Thundering Herd at Ohio Stadium on September 2, 2010 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

Ohio State Buckeye Dane Sanzenbacher

Height: 5-11

Weight: 180

Class: Senior

Hometown: Toledo, Ohio

Sanzenbacher has just six catches through two games, but has made them count with 150 yards, including a 65-yard touchdown catch in the opener against Marshall.

He is a reliable possession receiver that knows how to get open. He has turned that into big plays, especially against Marshall.

Games: 2

Receptions: 6

Yards: 150

Touchdowns: 2

No. 4 DeVier Posey, Ohio State

Jamie Sabau/Getty Images

COLUMBUS, OH - SEPTEMBER 2: DeVier Posey #8 of the Ohio State Buckeyes runs with the ball against the the Marshall Thundering Herd at Ohio Stadium on September 2, 2010 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

Ohio State Buckeye DeVier Posey

Height: 6-2

Weight: 200

Class: Junior

Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio

Posey is a big-play threat that can go up and get in jump ball situations.

He has been consistent this season with four catches in both games, but broke out with over 100 yards against the Miami Hurricanes in the second game.

He is not on pace to match his career-high for receptions, but is on pace to top his career-high for yards.

Games: 2

Receptions: 8

Yards: 146

Touchdowns: 2

No. 3 A.J. Jenkins, Illinois

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ST. LOUIS - SEPTEMBER 4: A.J. Jenkins #8 of the University of Illinois Fighting Illini scores a touchdown against the University of Missouri Tigers during the State Farm Arch Rivalry game on September 4, 2010 at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, Missour

Illinois Fighting Illini A.J. Jenkins

Height: 6-0

Weight: 185

Class: Junior

Hometown: Jacksonville, Florida

Jenkins may be the best player on one of the worst teams in the conference. There is not a whole lot to be excited about in Champaign, but Jenkins is certainly worth watching.

Having an inexperienced quarterback, redshirt freshman Nathan Scheelhaase, has not slowed him down.

He is only four catches, 141 yards and two touchdowns short of setting career highs. He will surpass those numbers within the next two weeks.

His breakout game this season came against Southern Illinois with five catches for 114 yards and one touchdown.

Games: 2

Receptions: 8

Yards: 147

Touchdowns: 2

No. 2 Jeremy Ebert, Northwestern

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TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 1: Wide receiver Jeremy Ebert #11 of the Northwestern Wildcats grabs a pass against the Auburn Tigers in the Outback Bowl January 1, 2010 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

Northwestern Wildcat Jeremy Ebert

Height: 6-0

Weight: 190

Class: Junior

Hometown: Hilliard, Ohio

Ebert has a chance to breakout this season with the departure of last season's top two receivers for the Wildcats. 

He is a solid route running with good hands, which he has turned into a lofty 20.8 yards per catch through two games this season.

He is climbing toward career-highs for receptions, yards and touchdowns and figures to pass those marks later in the year.

Games: 2

Receptions: 8

Yards: 166

Touchdowns: 1

No. 1 Keith Smith, Purdue

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SOUTH BEND, IN - SEPTEMBER 04: Keith Smith #8 of the Purdue Boilermakers is stopped by Darrin Walls #2 (R) and Jamoris Slaughter #26 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium on September 4, 2010 in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame defeated Pu

Purdue Boilermaker Keith Smith

Height: 6-2

Weight: 226

Class: Senior

Hometown: Fort Hood, Texas

Smith opened the season with a huge 12-catch, 80-yard performance against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

Then in the second game of the season against the Western Illinois Leathernecks he had six catches for 43 yards before tearing the ACL and MCL in his knee ending his season.

Even though his season is over, nine catches per game is quite impressive.

He led the Big Ten in receiving last season, but unfortunately will not have the opportunity to repeat this season.

Games: 2

Receptions: 18

Yards: 123

Touchdowns: 0