Rutgers' Offseason Game Plan: Shopping in the Transfer Portal
Rutgers football has its work cut out this offseason as the Scarlet Knights prepare to hit the transfer portal running. With key players graduating and a team hungry to maintain its upward trajectory, head coach Greg Schiano and his staff are gearing up for a crucial recruiting spree. This 20-day transfer portal window opening Monday could shape the Scarlet Knights' 2025 season—and possibly the program’s future.
Coming off a respectable 7-5 (4-5 Big Ten) record, Rutgers finds itself in a rebuilding phase, particularly on defense. Last year, the Scarlet Knights made impressive strides by addressing offensive gaps in the portal. Key signings like quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis and wide receiver Dymere Miller sparked a turnaround for a struggling offense. This time around, they’ll be targeting the other side of the ball while patching up a few offensive holes. Here's a deep dive into the positions Rutgers needs to prioritize, rated on a scale of 1-10 based on urgency.
1. Cornerback (Priority Level: 10)
Rutgers faces a massive void at cornerback with the departure of starters Robert Longerbeam and Eric Rogers. These two veterans were defensive anchors, racking up 973 snaps this season and amassing over 3,500 during their collegiate careers. Their experience and leadership leave an undeniable gap.
While the Scarlet Knights have promising talent like rising redshirt sophomore Bo Mascoe—who notched 46 tackles, four pass breakups, and an interception over 487 snaps—the position lacks veteran depth. Converted running back Al-Shadee Salaam adds versatility, but a seasoned cornerback with Power Four experience could be a game-changer. Think Flip Dixon, whose addition two years ago brought much-needed stability. A similar find in the portal would help Rutgers maintain its defensive edge.
2. Safety (Priority Level: 10)
The safety position is another red-alert area for Rutgers, with three crucial players—Dixon, Shaquan Loyal, and Desmond Igbinosun—leaving the fold. Loyal, a consistent force with 734 snaps, and Dixon, a steadying presence, will be tough to replace. Igbinosun’s limited late-season involvement highlights the importance of fresh legs and experienced backups.
Although rising sophomore Kaj Sanders showed promise by starting the last four games, Rutgers can’t solely rely on internal development. At least one veteran safety acquisition will be vital to fortifying the secondary. This move ensures young players like Sanders have time to grow without the pressure of carrying the defense alone.
3. Defensive Line (Priority Level: 10)
The trenches are taking a big hit. Key contributors Kyonte Hamilton, Aaron Lewis, Malcolm Ray, and Troy Rainey—who logged a combined 1,565 snaps this season—are moving on. Defensive end, in particular, is a premium position on the transfer market, second only to quarterback. Rutgers must decide whether to splurge on a top-tier pass-rusher or opt for multiple solid contributors to spread their resources.
Returning players like defensive tackles Keshon Griffin and Zaire Angoy, alongside versatile end Jordan Thompson, provide a strong foundation. But the Scarlet Knights will need reinforcements. Expect Rutgers to go bargain-hunting for players who can hold the line without breaking the bank. Addressing these gaps is non-negotiable for maintaining defensive strength.
4. Linebacker (Priority Level: 7)
Despite some stability at linebacker, Rutgers isn’t in the clear. Rising star Dariel Djabome looks poised for a multi-year starting role, and Mohamed Toure’s anticipated return from an ACL injury offers hope. But Tyreem Powell’s departure is a significant loss. Powell’s 528 snaps across 10 games demonstrated the impact of seasoned leadership.
The Scarlet Knights have promising talent in Moses Walker and Abram Wright, but they would benefit from adding a veteran linebacker. A seasoned presence could fill Powell’s shoes and provide guidance for younger players finding their footing.
5. Left Tackle (Priority Level: 5)
Few stories in Rutgers football are as inspiring as Hollin Pierce’s journey from walk-on to standout left tackle. Pierce’s dominance on the offensive line—playing 851 of 875 snaps and allowing just one sack—set a high standard. His graduation leaves a massive void at a position notoriously hard to fill.
While top-tier offensive tackles come with a hefty price tag, Rutgers should explore the market for hidden gems. Still, an internal solution might be the more realistic option. Regardless, the Scarlet Knights will feel the loss of Pierce’s reliability in pass protection.
6. Wide Receiver (Priority Level: 4)
Rutgers is sitting on a strong foundation at wide receiver with Ian Strong and KJ Duff—two of the most promising prospects in recent memory. But with leading receiver Dymere Miller and dependable senior Christian Dremel graduating, the Scarlet Knights could use another playmaker.
Underclassmen like Benjamin Black, Famah Toure, and Dylan Braithwaite could emerge as key contributors, but banking on unproven talent is risky. Adding a proven receiver from the portal would complement the existing stars and give Rutgers a dynamic offense.
Why the Transfer Portal Matters
The transfer portal is no longer just a tool for plugging roster holes—it’s a lifeline for programs like Rutgers looking to compete in the hyper-competitive Big Ten. Last offseason proved how transformative the right additions can be. Now, with an urgent need to revamp their defense and tweak their offense, Rutgers has no choice but to go all-in.
Key Takeaways
- Cornerback and safety are the most critical needs, with both positions requiring experienced players to step into leadership roles.
- The defensive line must be reinforced to maintain competitiveness in the trenches.
- Linebacker and wide receiver need strategic additions to ensure depth and performance.
- Left tackle, though less urgent, remains a critical focus area for long-term stability.
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