Narrowing down the list of top wide receivers in the B1G is an incredibly challenging task. There are at least a dozen names who could easily be considered for a spot in the top five.

But, when you look at what’s returning to the field for the 2020 season, there are five receivers who stand out among the rest. All of them have the potential to have an incredible year come next fall.

Here’s a look at the five best receivers returning to the B1G in 2020, as well as a handful of honorable mentions:

Honorable Mentions

JD Spielman, Nebraska; Nico Collins, Michigan; Josh Imatorbhebhe, Illinois; Chris Autman-Bell, Minnesota; Ihmir Smith-Marsette, Iowa; Garrett Wilson, Ohio State; Wan’Dale Robinson, Nebraska (WR/RB); Jahan Dotson, Penn State

Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

5. Whop Philyor, Indiana

Nobody at the wide receiver position busted onto the scene quite like Philyor did in 2019. In his first two years at Indiana, Philyor totaled 670 yards and four touchdowns. Last fall, those numbers leaped up to 1,002 receiving yards and five touchdown receptions on 70 catches. He quickly became the No. 1 target in the passing offense for the Hoosiers.

With Nick Westbrook and Donovan Hale both gone, Philyor’s production will be even more critical for Indiana next season. But he’s demonstrated the ability to be a reliable target capable of carrying a heavy workload. Three times last season he hauled in 10 catches or more and registered over 100 yards in four games. Philyor is a weapon to beat defenders downfield and turn short passes into big gains. He’ll be a huge part of Indiana’s offense again next fall.

4. Rondale Moore, Purdue

Slotting the former freshman All-American in the No. 4 slot might seem a little low, but it’s also fair to see how much Moore’s game was affected by the knee injury (if at all). There’s a good chance that Moore returns to his old, fleet-footed, hard-to-tackle self in 2020, but there’s just a touch of mystery there.

Before the injury, Moore was on his way to another spectacular season, racking up 369 yards and two touchdowns through the first three games of the season. He’s the most versatile receiver in the B1G when he’s at his best, and Jeff Brohm’s offensive ingenuity allows Moore the opportunity to utilize his skill set in a variety of ways. It’ll be interesting to see what Moore can do after missing eight games last season, but when healthy he can easily be the top receiver in the conference.

3. Chris Olave, Ohio State

The potential for Olave is sky-high next season. He finished the year as Ohio State’s top pass-catcher in 2019, totaling 849 yards and 12 touchdowns on 49 receptions in his sophomore year. And that was on a roster that included K.J. Hill, Binjimen Victor and Garrett Wilson, among others.

Olave’s speed and athleticism isn’t something many other receivers possess. He’s great at creating space and is capable of beating defenders downfield. He adjusts well to the football in mid-air and regularly makes NFL-caliber catches on the college field. Olave also proved to be great at finding openings in the defense when Justin Fields was left scrambling, allowing the Buckeyes to pick up chunks of yardage on plays that could’ve easily stalled. With a full season now under his belt, there’s a good chance Olave produces a 1,000-yard season for Ohio State.

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2. David Bell, Purdue

A second Purdue receiver makes the list, and for good reason. Bell broke onto the scene as a true freshman, much like his teammate Moore. When things started getting rough for the Boilermakers, the freshman stepped up in a big way, becoming one of the top receivers in the B1G instantly.

Bell finished the season with 1,035 yards and seven touchdowns on 86 receptions. He was as sure-handed as any player at the position in the conference and frequently made highlight-reel catches. He can serve as a deep threat in the Purdue offense or pick up big chunks of yardage after a screen pass. Bell has all the tools in his belt to be an All-American receiver and is an excellent complement to Moore in West Lafayette. Brohm may have quite the combination at receiver next season.

1. Rashod Bateman, Minnesota

There isn’t a receiver tougher to defend in the B1G than Rashod Bateman. The Minnesota receiver has excellent hands, great speed and is an excellent route-runner. That combination is a big reason why he finished second in the B1G in receiving with 1,219 yards and 11 touchdowns, behind only teammate Tyler Johnson. Now, with Johnson gone, Bateman will be even more important for the Gophers.

Perhaps the most frightening aspect of Bateman’s game is the pure trust quarterback Tanner Morgan has in his receiver’s ability to make a play. Even when it looks like nothing is available, Bateman usually finds a way to haul in the football. He has the awareness to tiptoe the sideline and strong hands to make one-handed grabs look easy. Pair that with an ability to leave defenders in the dust when in open space and you have yourself a receiver who’s nearly impossible to stop. And with more targets potentially coming his way, Bateman could put up some ridiculous numbers in 2020.