Top five returning scoring leaders in the Big Ten

The NFL draft is in the books and the annual spring games have come to an end across the Big Ten and it is time to start diving into who to watch and what to expect during the 2022 season. We already dove into the top five returning rushers and passers in the Big Ten, but the top five returning scorers may be even more interesting.

The top scorers are usually kickers, but it is important to remember that special teams win championships and it monitoring who is coming back is important to the landscape of the Big Ten. Like most of these lists, a Buckeye is going to kick it off!

Off we go.

Noah Ruggles, Ohio State

Ohio State Buckeyes place kicker Noah Ruggles (95) kicks off a drive during Saturday’s NCAA Division I football game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Neb., on November 6, 2021. Credit: USA TODAY Sports Network

The North Carolina transfer made a huge impact last season and was the Big Ten leader in scoring with 134 points. After taking the spring off, Ruggles will be relied upon again in 2022.

TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State

Ohio State Buckeyes running back TreVeyon Henderson (32) is tackled by Penn State Nittany Lions linebacker Jesse Luketa (40) during Saturday’s NCAA Division I football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on October 30, 2021. Syndication: The Columbus Dispatch

It may be shocking, but TreVeyon Henderson was actually the third-leading scorer last season with 114 points. The Buckeye offense will rely on the passing attack this season so it would be surprising for him to rank higher than third this season.

Mitchell Fineran, Purdue

Purdue kicker Mitchell Fineran (24) runs up to kick the field goal to seal the win in OT during the 2021 TransPerfect Music City Bowl between Tennessee and Purdue at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., on Thursday, Dec. 30, 2021. Credit: USA TODAY Sports Network

Another transfer kicker on this list, Mitchell Fineran came to Purdue by way of Samford. Fineran completed last season as the fourth-highest scorer in the Big Ten with 112 points.

Matthew Trickett, Minnesota

Oct 30, 2021; Evanston, Illinois, USA; Minne Gophers placekicker Matthew Trickett (95) kicks a field goal in the first half against the Northwestern Wildcats at Ryan Field. Credit: Quinn Harris-USA TODAY Sports

Yet another transfer, Minnesota’s Matthew Tickett comes from Kent State and ended last season as the Big Ten’s tenth leading scorer with 87 points. The 2022 spring game MVP, Trickett is expecting another big season in 2022.

Jayden Reed, Michigan State

Michigan State receiver Jayden Reed is defended by defensive back Marqui Lowery during the spring practice on Saturday, April 16, 2022, at Spartan Stadium. Credit: USA TODAY Sports Network

The Michigan State offense revolves around the run gum, but Jayden Reed is a more than capable receiver and he will likely take another step in 2022 after being the Big Ten’s 16th leading scorer last season.

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