College Football 2011: The Top 25 WRs in Big Ten History

The Big Ten Conference will be gaining their 12th college program in Nebraska beginning for the 2011 season, and the "leaders and legends" will continue to emerge from the conference.

No matter what position you look at, there are many elite players that have come out of the Big Ten.

Running back fans have Archie Griffin, special teams fans have Desmond Howard, and there plenty of others that have made their mark on college football.

When you think of wide receivers, a select few seem to pop up on most people's radars.

The following are the 25 greatest Big Ten receivers of all time. For any baseball fans hoping for a Kirk Gibson appearance, the former Spartan unfortunately just missed the cut.

25. Bennie Oosterbaan: Michigan

Starting off the list is a player considered to be one of the all-time greats in Michigan athletics, Bennie Oosterbaan. He is also the earliest player to appear on the list, having played for Michigan from 1925 to 1927.

During his three seasons with the football team, Oosterbaan was one of the earliest big time receivers at a time when the forward pass was not completely established.

In 1925, he led the Big Ten with eight touchdowns, and became team captain his senior year.

24. Ryan Thelwell: Minnesota

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8 Aug 1998: Ryan Thelwell #18 of the San Francisco 49ers looks on during a pre-season game against the San Diego Chargers at the Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. The Chargers defeated the 49ers 27-21.

Minnesota is a school known for their great running backs rather than their receivers. Nonetheless, some were able to make a great impact, and one of them was a big playmaker in the 1990s, Ryan Thelwell.

Later known as a solid receiver for the BC Lions in the CFL, Thelwell finished his career with 2,232 yards, including 1,051 yards in 1996

He was even named the team MVP in 1996, a rare feat for a Minnesota wide receiver.

23. Ernie Jones: Indiana

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Wide receiver Ernie Jones of the Phoenix Cardinals runs with the ball during a game against the New Orleans Saints at the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Saints won the game, 27-3.

Ernie Jones was a solid receiver for a few seasons for the Phoenix Cardinals, but before that he was a standout receiver for the Indiana Hoosiers.

Despite the evolution of passing in college football, he still manages to hold the single season receiving record.

Between 1984 and 1987, Jones amassed 2,361 yards in his time with Indiana, and had 1,256 receiving yards during his senior season.

22. Kevin Kasper: Iowa

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23 Sep 2000: Kevin Kasper #87 of the Iowa Hawkeyes leaps to catch the ball as Keyno Craver #3 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers misses the catch at the Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Nebraska. The Cornhuskers defeated the Hawkeyes 42-13.Mandatory Credit: Brian B

The Iowa Hawkeyes are another team not really known for star receivers, but nonetheless some have made an impact. One of those that did was Kevin Kasper, who played from 1997 to 2000.

In his career at Iowa, Kasper has 1,974 career rushing yards, as well as 1,010 yards in a season.

The numbers themselves are not particularly impressive, and in fact very few Iowa receivers have good career totals, but he established himself as a longtime threat for the Hawkeyes.

21. Tim Dwight: Iowa

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11 Nov 1995: Center Casey Wiegmann of the Iowa Hawkeyes (right) throws a block as teammate running back Tim Dwight (center) runs with the ball during a game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Dyche Stadium in Evanston, Illinois. Northwestern won the g

Tim Dwight, who played for Iowa from 1994-97, is not necessarily the guy that's at the top of all-time wideout lists, or even at the top of Iowa ones, for that matter.

However, he was a model of consistency. While he didn't crack the single season 1,000 yard mark, his 2,271 receiving yards were the most in Iowa history.

20. Amani Toomer: Michigan

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 21: Amani Toomer #81 of the New York Giants runs the ball against the Carolina Panthers on December 21, 2008 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Michigan has their slew of elite wide receivers, and is the only Big Ten school with multiple receivers in the College Football Hall of Fame.

One of the best players on the list not to be there is Amani Toomer, who played from 1992-95.

In his career, he had 2,657 receiving yards, and at the time, the 1,000-yard receiving season he had was only the third in Michigan history.

19. Courtney Hawkins: Michigan State

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12 Oct 1991: Flanker Courtney Hawkins of the Michigan State Spartans runs down the field during a game against the Michigan Wolverines at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Michigan. Michigan won the game 45-28.

The Michigan State Spartans are one of the better schools to find great receivers in the Big Ten. Their NFL prowess is a different story as you'll see later, but many have been great in college, such as Courtney Hawkins.

A standout receiver from 1988-91, Hawkins ended his career with 2,210 receiving yards, including a season with 1,080.

He later had a decent NFL career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Pittsburgh Steelers.

18. Courtney Roby: Indiana

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NEW ORLEANS - OCTOBER 24: Courtney Roby #15 of the New Orleans Saints in action during the game against the Cleveland Browns at the Louisiana Superdome on October 24, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Two of Indiana's greatest receivers also happen to be recent players. The first is Courtney Roby, who played at Indiana from 2001 to 2004.

Roby is one of four people to hit the 1,000 yard mark, doing so in 2002 when he had 1,039 receiving yards.

He ended his career with 170 catches for 2,524 yards, and his 59 receptions in 2002 were second highest in Indiana history.

17. Cris Carter: Ohio State

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1985: Split end Cris Carter of the Ohio State Buckeyes makes a catch during the Citrus Bowl against the Brigham Young Cougars at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Florida. Ohio State won the game 10-7. Mandatory Credit: Allsport /Allsport

The second best receiver in the Big Ten with the last name Carter, and one of the greatest NFL receivers of all time, Cris Carter was just as great to watch at Ohio State as he was in the pros.

Between 1984 and 1986, Carter amassed 2,725 receiving yards and was named an All-American his freshman year.

He would be much higher on this list had he not been ruled ineligible his senior year due to signing with an agent.

16. James Hardy: Indiana

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BLOOMINGTON, IN - NOVEMBER 3: James Hardy #82 of the Indiana Hoosiers jogs on the field during the game against the Ball State Cardinals at Memorial Stadium November 3, 2007 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Indiana's best receiver came on the heels of Roby, and that receiver was James Hardy. He made an immediate impact filling in for the former, and now holds many Indiana records.

He had 79 receptions for 1,125 yards in 2007, and his 2,740 career yards are the highest of any receiver. He was also a first-team All-Big Ten selection during this time.

15. Taylor Stubblefield: Purdue

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ST. LOUIS - 2006: Taylor Stubblefield of the St. Louis Rams poses for his 2006 NFL headshot at photo day in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Getty Images)

The Purdue Boilermakers of the early 2000s had a dynamic passing attack, with one of the best duo of receivers in Big Ten history.

One of the big guns of that time was Taylor Stubblefield, who played at Purdue between 2001 and 2004.

He ended his career with 325 receptions and 3,629 yards. The receptions were not only the most in Purdue history, but in NCAA history as well.

14. Ron Johnson: Minnesota

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20 Oct 2001: Ron Johnson #3 of Minnesota makes a touchdown against the defense of Tyrell Dortsch during the game at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Minnesota Gophers won 28-19. DIGITAL IMAGE. Mandatory Credit: Elsa/Allsport

Minnesota may not have too many wide receivers to contribute to this list, but Ron Johnson is certainly one of them. In fact, the records he holds for Minnesota he has by a fairly comfortable margin.

In his career at Minnesota (1998-2001), Johnson had 198 catches for 2,949 yards, as well as 61 catches for 1,125 yards in 2000.

Both totals are easily the best for any Minnesota receiver, and with the program focusing on running talent, it likely won't be broken soon.

13. John Standeford: Purdue

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23 Sep 2000: John Standeford #82 of the Purdue Boilermakers carries the ball as he avoides a tackle during the game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at the Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Indiana. The Boilermakers defeated the Golden Gophers 38-24

John Standeford was the second part of the dynamic Purdue duo, playing between 2000 and 2003, the final three years alongside Stubblefield.

He finished his career with 3,788 yards, which leads the all-time list for Purdue, and is one of the highest totals on this list.

12. Bobby Engram: Penn State

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PHILADELPHIA - DECEMBER 05: Tight end Bobby Engram #84 of the Seattle Seahawks celebrates his touchdown in the first quarter of the game giving the Seahawks a 7-0 lead against the Philadelphia Eagles on December 5, 2005 at Lincoln Financial Field in Phil

Penn State has not been part of the Big Ten for long, so there are not very many options here.

Nonetheless, this is the easiest selection, as the best wide receiver in Penn State history is Engram, and it's not even close.

One of five Penn State receivers to amass 2,000 receiving yards on his career, Engram had 167 catches for 3,026 yards.

Beyond that, he also had two separate seasons of 1,000 receiving yards, with 1,084 and 1,029 in 1995 and 1994.

11. Michael Jenkins: Ohio State

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TEMPE, ARIZONA - JANUARY 2: Wide receiver Michael Jenkins #12 of the Ohio State Buckeyes catches the ball during the game against the Kansas State Wildcats in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl on January 2, 2004 at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Arizona. The Buckeye

In what may technically be controversial, the most prolific receiver Ohio State has had is not the highest-ranked Buckeye.

Receivers with fewer yards can be even better all-time, as we will see.

Michael Jenkins had 165 receptions in his career (2000-03) and 2,898 yards, which narrowly beats out someone who appears later.

He also has a National Championship to his credit as well.

10. Brandon Lloyd: Illinois

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GREEN BAY, WI - NOVEMBER 16: Wide receiver Brandon Lloyd #80 of the Chicago Bears leaves the line of scrimmage against the Green Bay Packers during NFL action at Lambeau Field on November 16, 2008 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the Bears 3

Starting off our top ten is a player not usually considered elite, but is nearly impossible not to consider prolific, Brandon Lloyd.

Illinois is known for one truly elite receiver, but Lloyd put up some solid numbers as well in his time there.

From 1999 to 2002, Lloyd had 160 catches for 2,583 yards. He was also one of the few to hit the 1,000 yard mark, doing so with 1,062 in 2001.

He also ranked second in touchdown receptions when he graduated with 21.

9. D'Wayne Bates: Northwestern

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1 Jan 1996: Running back D'Wayne Bates #5 of the Northwestern Wildcats reaches for his helmet as he attempts to remove a clump of grass from his face mask following a carry in the Wildcats 41-32 loss to the USC Trojans in the 1996 Rose Bowl game held at

The Northwestern Wildcats have had a great receiver in their time.

That person is D'Wayne Bates, who holds that honor in a landslide for them, as he was the main target during Northwestern's resurgence in the 1990s.

In his career (1995-98), Bates had 210 catches for 3,370 yards, both records. In fact, he holds the receiving yards record by nearly 1,000 yards, and those marks are still in the top ten in Big Ten history.

His 83 catches in 1998 went for 1,245 yards, which is the single-season record.

8. Lee Evans: Wisconsin

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ORCHARD PARK, NY - NOVEMBER 14: Lee Evans #83 of the Buffalo Bills makes a finger tip catch against Chris Houston #23 of the Detroit Lions at Ralph Wilson Stadium on November 14, 2010 in Orchard Park, New York. The Bills won 14-12. (Photo by Rick Stewar

Wisconsin may have only one representative on here, but what a player it is. Like Bates, Evans easily holds the Badgers' receiving records by quite a comfortable margin.

In his career between 1999 and 2003, Evans had 175 catches for 3,468 yards. In 2001, he became one of the few players in Big Ten history to break the 1,500 receiving yard mark, catching 75 passes for 1,545 yards.

He also starts the trend of Big Ten receivers going in the first round, which most of the top players have done.

7. Desmond Howard: Michigan

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21 Jul 1998: Wide receiver Desmond Howard #80 of the Oakland Raiders looks on during the 1998 Oakland Raiders Training Camp in Napa, California. Mandatory Credit: Jed Jacobsohn /Allsport

Howard may have been known more for his special teams play, and if we go solely by the wide receiver numbers it's tough to put him in the top 25.

That being said, the fact remains that he won a Heisman and is part of the College Football Hall of Fame.

Besides, his numbers as a wideout are still very solid. Between 1989 and 1991, Howard 134 receptions for 2,146 yards.

Only three natural wide receivers have made the Hall of Fame from the Big Ten, so that's elite company to be in.

6. Andre Rison: Michigan State

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2 Oct 1994: Wide receiver Andre Rison of the Atlanta Falcons celebrates during a game against the Los Angeles Rams at Anaheim Stadium in Anaheim, California. The Falcons won the game, 8-5. Mandatory Credit: Al Bello /Allsport

The most prolific receiver in Michigan State history, Bad Moon Rison was just Andre back then, and he was also a very consistent target between 1985 and 1988.

In those four seasons, Rison had 146 catches for 2,992 yards, and was a force in the Big Ten throughout his college career.

His efforts led to him being a first-round pick, and he had a very good NFL career to go along with his college numbers.

5. David Boston: Ohio State

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21 Nov 1998: David Boston #9 of Ohio State celebrates during the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State defeated Michigan 31-16. Mandatory Credit: Rick Stewart /Allsport

He may not have been the most prolific receiver, but during his time at Ohio State, David Boston was the best receiver that the Buckeyes have had.

Between 1996 and 1998, Boston had 191 receptions for 2,855 yards, the former being an Ohio State record.

He also had the best individual season, notching 85 catches for 1,435 yards in 1998.

He also had 36 career touchdowns, and was able to turn this all into a top ten draft selection.

4. Charles Rogers: Michigan State

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ANN ARBOR, MI - NOVEMBER 2: Wide Receiver Charles Rogers #1 of the Michigan State Spartans runs the ball against the Michigan Wolverines during the game on November 2, 2002 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan won 49-3. (Photo by Danny M

Charles Rogers is best remembered for being an all-time NFL bust.

While that's true, what's forgotten is that he was one of the best receivers the Big Ten had seen, and alongside No. three, Rogers is the best receiver not yet in the College Football Hall of Fame.

In just two seasons (2001-02), Rogers nearly broke Rison's receiving yards record.

He finished his career with 135 catches, 2,821 yards, a Biletnikoff Award win, and on top of that he broke Randy Moss's NCAA record of touchdown catches in 13 straight games.

He was so good in college that he was selected second overall in the 2003 NFL Draft, though we all know how that turned out.

3. Anthony Carter: Michigan

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8 Nov 1992: Wide receiver Anthony Carter of the Minnesota Vikings catches the ball during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Tampa Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The Vikings won the game, 35-7. Mandatory Credit: Scott Halleran /Allsport

It hurts as an Ohio State fan to not only have a Michigan man No. one, but also to have two in the top three.

Nonetheless, Anthony Carter is clearly one of the best Big Ten receivers of all time.

A star receiver from 1979 to 1982, Carter finished his career with three All-American selections, a Big Ten MVP win, and had 161 catches for 3,076 yards.

In fact, his ability was so good that he could have easily been No. one had he played in the pass-heavy college football offenses of today.

He was the first Big Ten wide receiver to make it into the College Football Hall of Fame, being inducted in 1981.

2. David Williams: Illinois

The third person in the top four to have worn the No. one jersey, and easily the greatest Illinois receiver ever, David Williams has left a major legacy on college football.

A two-time All-American, Williams finished his college career (1983-85) with 262 catches for 3,392 yards.

In 1981, he had one of the all-time greatest receiving seasons, completing 101 receptions for 1,278 receiving yards.

For his efforts, Williams was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2005. After college, he went on to have a successful career in the CFL.

1. Braylon Edwards: Michigan

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ANN ARBOR, MI - OCTOBER 30: Wide Receiver Braylon Edwards #1 of the Michigan Wolverines catches a touchdown pass in the third overtime period against the Michigan State Spartans at Michigan Stadium on October 30, 2004 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan won

How many wide receivers in the Big Ten have amassed 1,000 receiving yards in three seasons?

The answer to that is one: Braylon Edwards.

In fact, with the career he had at Michigan, Edwards could very well be the best Big Ten receiver not to be in the College Football Hall of Fame.

Between 2001 and 2004, Edwards had 252 catches for 3,541 yards and 39 touchdowns.

On top of that he won the Biletnikoff Award, was Big Ten MVP, a consensus All-American, and cemented his legacy as an elite college receiver, turning that into a top three draft pick.

His huge numbers, elite receiving, and abilities at Michigan make it clear that he is the greatest Big Ten receiver of all time.