BY: KENNY VARNER
Rutgers is coming off a solid 7–5 regular season that earned them a bowl berth. The Scarlet Knights have added more talent this year, but with a much tougher schedule, matching last year’s record will be a challenge. Still, with the roster upgrades and Greg Schiano leading the way, it wouldn’t be surprising if Rutgers finds itself in another bowl game this season.
Rutgers leans heavily on the run game, but they found a competent quarterback last year in Athan Kaliakmanis, who returns for his second season in this system. While his completion rate of 53.9% left room for improvement, he still threw for 2,696 yards with an 18–7 touchdown-to-interception ratio. With another year of experience, Kaliakmanis should post better numbers.
The loss of workhorse back Kyle Monangai (1,279 yards, 5.0 yards per carry, 13 touchdowns) will be felt. However, redshirt freshman Antwan Raymond stepped in last year and produced 457 yards and 8 scores, averaging 4.6 yards per carry. Adding CJ Campbell (Florida Atlantic), who rushed for 844 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2024, should help keep the run game strong.
Seven starters return on offense, including four on the offensive line. Center Gus Zilinskas is considered one of the best in the Big Ten. The tackle position is deep and versatile, led by Tyler Needham. At guard, Kawbena Asamoah is regarded as the best blocker on the team, with Taj White and Bryan Felter adding to the group’s strength. While pass protection was average last year, this veteran unit has the experience to improve.
The receiving corps won’t post huge numbers in a run-first offense, but this is one of the more talented groups Rutgers has had in years. Ian Strong returns after leading the team with 676 yards and 5 touchdowns, averaging 15.7 yards per catch. KJ Duff provides speed on the outside, while North Texas transfer DT Sheffield brings 822 yards and 11 touchdowns from his 2024 season in the Mean Green offense.
Defense has traditionally been Rutgers’ calling card, but the unit slipped to 17th in the Big Ten last year. Four lopsided conference losses and a rough bowl game exposed their struggles. The Scarlet Knights have lost 22 straight games dating back to 2021 when allowing more than 24 points. The pass rush was lacking a year ago, and the front was often overpowered, prompting heavy use of the transfer portal.
Two new edge rushers should make an immediate impact: Bradley Weaver (Ohio), who dominated the MAC the past two seasons, and Eric O’Neil (James Madison), the Sun Belt’s top defensive player last year. Inside, Keshon Griffin and Zaire Angoy, both part of last year’s rotation, step into starting roles. Linebacker Daniel Diabome, the team’s leading tackler with 105 stops, returns to anchor the middle, with Moses Walker providing an experienced presence alongside him.
In the secondary, corner Bo Mascoe (50 tackles, 1 interception) pairs with Penn State transfer Cam Miller. At safety, Kaj Sanders returns, joined by Marshall transfer Jacobie Henderson and UNLV transfer Jeff Elad, who recorded 84 tackles last season.
Rutgers has built a solid team, but the schedule is daunting. The three Big Ten elites—Oregon, Penn State, and Ohio State—are back after being absent from last year’s slate. Road trips to Illinois, Minnesota, and Washington will also be challenging. A key date to circle is a Friday night home game against Iowa.
The Scarlet Knights open with a favorable stretch—Ohio, Miami (OH), and Norfolk State—which could put them at 3–0 before facing Iowa. They are ahead of Purdue and Maryland in overall roster strength, but to reach six wins, they’ll likely need at least one upset.
With improved talent, experienced coaching, and a physical style of play, Rutgers has a strong chance to go bowling again in 2025—likely finishing in the 6–7 win range if things break right.