WAR ROOM: Latest Recruit Scoop and Team News on Rutgers Athletics
Every Friday, publisher Richard O’Leary and his team of Rutgers Athletics experts put together the War Room, a jam-packed article with updates on Scarlet Knights recruiting and team news. This format allows die hard Rutgers fans that are subscribers on the site to learn more about the Scarlet Knights!
THEY SAID IT….
BTN Analyst Jake Butt on this year’s Rutgers Football defense: “The defense is going to have to find ways to be disruptive,” Butt added. “They need to force turnovers and send some blitzes. I don’t think they’re just going to be able to stand up in the box, with that schedule, and make it to wins. I think they’re going to have to find ways to take the ball away or create negative plays.”
BTN Analyst Jake Butt on this year’s defensive line: “The size of the defensive line was impressive. They look like a Big Ten defensive line, with their ability to stop the run. I felt like they should be able to compete in stopping the run.”
Offensive Lineman Bryan Felter on a new left tackle this season: “I don’t really think of it as an adjustment. I mean with coach flats (Pat Flaherty) and everything that he’s done for us, and all the knowledge and wisdom he has over offensive line play. It’s just kind of like filling someone’s shoes and bringing someone in.”
Offensive Lineman Gus Zilinskas on some new faces in the room: “We got a lot more new faces in there, whether that be transfers coming in or freshmen, so we did a lot more offensive line team activity stuff during the summer,” Zilinskas said. “During the meetings, we’re cracking jokes with each other, trying to stay loose, and building that chemistry. We have a saying in the o-line room, ‘five is one,’ we can only go if five guys go, and if one guy messes up, we all mess up. So, we have to be a cohesive unit and build that chemistry.”
LATEST ON RUTGERS FOOTBALL RECRUITING
’27 LB Trace Washington (Woodstock – GA): After speaking with Washington about his new offer from Rutgers Football, it sounded like he really liked the Scarlet Knights program.
It’s still very early here, but it’s always a good sign when kids schedule a visit nearly immediately after getting the offer and he will be at Rutgers for the November 8th game against Maryland.
At the moment, I feel really food about Rutgers chances here, but with several southern schools expected to host him this Fall, it will be a recruitment to monitor closely.
’27 WR Javien Robinson (McKeesport – PA): Another recruitment to keep a close eye on is the four-star wideout from Pennsylvania, Robinson has called Rutgers his leader in the past and is in the midst of planning visits for the Fall.
Right now he only has one trip planned to check Ohio State for their Texas game on August 30th, but is also in talks with Penn State, Rutgers, Sacramento State, and Wisconsin for visits as well.
THE KNIGHT REPORT CRYSTAL BALL
- Athan Kaliakmanis will pass for 2,900+ yards
- Ian Strong will lead the team in receiving touchdowns
- Rutgers Football will cover the 14.5-point spread versus Ohio
Three Scarlet Knights named Big Ten Players to Watch
Rutgers women’s soccer players Ashley Baran (forward), Olivia Bodmer (goalkeeper), and Nata Ramirez (midfielder/forward) were named Big Ten Players to Watch on Monday.
Baran recorded a team-high six goals last season with an assist. She was second on the team with 13 points.
Bodmer posted seven solo (eight combined) shutouts last season with a 0.99 GAA and made 73 saves. She was named Third Team All-North Region, Big Ten All-Tournament Team, Academic All-Big Ten, and earned Big Ten Goalkeeper of the Week honors in October.
Ramirez entered the program after transferring from Columbia where she was named 2024 First Team All-IVY and Second Team All-Region. She was named All-IVY in all three seasons, including a pair of First Team selections in 2021 and 2024.
Ramirez led her team with seven goals and eight assists for 22 points last season. She recorded 21 goals and 15 assists for 57 points in 51 games over her three seasons with the Lions.
💬 Wondering what other Rutgers fans are saying?
Head to The Round Table and jump into the discussion →
