CBS Sports has released its post‑spring practice power rankings for the Big Ten, and Rutgers finds itself positioned at No.16, placing the Scarlet Knights ahead of Michigan State and Purdue while Wisconsin and Maryland sit above them.
Returning Offensive Weapons
Senior standouts KJ Duff and Antwan Raymond will return for another season, having combined for more than half of Rutgers' yards from scrimmage and offensive touchdowns a year ago.
Their decision to stay in the transfer portal rather than seek new destinations provides the offense with a rare degree of continuity as the team prepares for a quarterback competition.
Quarterback Uncertainty
Dylan Lonergan is slated to battle AJ Surace for the starting spot, but CBS analyst Cody Nagel questions whether Lonergan can replicate the output of former starter Athan Kaliakmanis.
The quarterback carousel adds a layer of uncertainty, especially as the defense, which finished 117th nationally in scoring last season, undergoes a complete overhaul with a new coaching staff and several transfers.
Reasons for Optimism
Despite the challenges, the article highlights the retention of key playmakers, the arrival of fresh talent and the program's upward trajectory as factors that could propel Rutgers beyond its current ranking.
The ranking underscores both the potential and the questions that remain as the Scarlet Knights gear up for the upcoming season.