2021 Big Ten Conference Leaders First Downs - Games in August/September Only through 01/10/2022
| Name | G | Rush | Pass | Penalty | Total | Total/G | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Michigan | 4 | 56 | 23 | 6 | 85 | 21.3 |
| 2 | Nebraska | 5 | 53 | 57 | 6 | 116 | 23.2 |
| 3 | Northwestern | 4 | 49 | 29 | 4 | 82 | 20.5 |
| 4 | Rutgers | 4 | 48 | 30 | 4 | 82 | 20.5 |
| 5 | Maryland | 4 | 47 | 54 | 2 | 103 | 25.8 |
| 6 | Ohio State | 4 | 45 | 52 | 2 | 99 | 24.8 |
| 7 | Michigan State | 4 | 43 | 35 | 6 | 84 | 21.0 |
| 7 | Minnesota | 4 | 43 | 28 | 6 | 77 | 19.3 |
| 9 | Illinois | 5 | 39 | 47 | 12 | 98 | 19.6 |
| 10 | Wisconsin | 3 | 35 | 29 | 7 | 71 | 23.7 |
| 11 | Indiana | 4 | 34 | 45 | 7 | 86 | 21.5 |
| 12 | Penn State | 4 | 28 | 51 | 6 | 85 | 21.3 |
| 13 | Purdue | 4 | 25 | 62 | 2 | 89 | 22.3 |
| 14 | Iowa | 4 | 23 | 34 | 5 | 62 | 15.5 |