23. Rutgers Scarlet Knights
2023 future defense power ranking: Not ranked
Scouting the Scarlet Knights: Big Ten teams tend to populate the defense FPR, although some have more staying power than others. Time will tell if Rutgers can become a regular, but the Scarlet Knights certainly look like a top-25 defense entering the 2024 season, after finishing 16th nationally in yards allowed last fall. The unit returns senior standouts at all three levels, from cornerback Robert Longerbeam (team-high 10 pass breakups, 2 forced fumbles in 2023) to linebacker Mohamed Toure (93 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 9.5 tackles for loss) to lineman Aaron Lewis (10 quarterback hurries, 3 sacks). Rutgers would be even higher in a one-year projection, as it will need to replace a lot in 2025 but has recruited well with defensive backs Antonio White Jr. and Kaj Sanders, and others. The line is seasoned and talented with Lewis, senior tackle Kyonte Hamilton and senior end Wesley Bailey, who enters his third year as a starter. Rutgers has even more veteran depth with Jordan Thompson, Rene Konga, Florida State transfer Malcolm Ray and others, but must develop players to emerge for 2025 and 2026.
Toure and fellow senior Tyreem Powell lead the linebackers after combining for 146 tackles last season. Jamier Wright-Collins is pegged for a bigger role, but Rutgers also will need non-seniors to emerge, like Dariel Djabome, Moses Walker and Abram Wright. The secondary projects as a significant strength in 2024 with experience at both cornerback (Longerbeam, Eric Rogers) and safety, where Flip Dixon, Shaquan Loyal and Desmond Igbinosun all return. The three combined for 206 tackles last season. The big key will be finding replacements in 2024, either through recruiting or the portal. White, an ESPN four-star recruit in 2024, could soon find himself in a significant role. Sophomore cornerback Bo Mascoe is another player to watch.
2023 future defense power ranking: Not ranked
Scouting the Scarlet Knights: Big Ten teams tend to populate the defense FPR, although some have more staying power than others. Time will tell if Rutgers can become a regular, but the Scarlet Knights certainly look like a top-25 defense entering the 2024 season, after finishing 16th nationally in yards allowed last fall. The unit returns senior standouts at all three levels, from cornerback Robert Longerbeam (team-high 10 pass breakups, 2 forced fumbles in 2023) to linebacker Mohamed Toure (93 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 9.5 tackles for loss) to lineman Aaron Lewis (10 quarterback hurries, 3 sacks). Rutgers would be even higher in a one-year projection, as it will need to replace a lot in 2025 but has recruited well with defensive backs Antonio White Jr. and Kaj Sanders, and others. The line is seasoned and talented with Lewis, senior tackle Kyonte Hamilton and senior end Wesley Bailey, who enters his third year as a starter. Rutgers has even more veteran depth with Jordan Thompson, Rene Konga, Florida State transfer Malcolm Ray and others, but must develop players to emerge for 2025 and 2026.
Toure and fellow senior Tyreem Powell lead the linebackers after combining for 146 tackles last season. Jamier Wright-Collins is pegged for a bigger role, but Rutgers also will need non-seniors to emerge, like Dariel Djabome, Moses Walker and Abram Wright. The secondary projects as a significant strength in 2024 with experience at both cornerback (Longerbeam, Eric Rogers) and safety, where Flip Dixon, Shaquan Loyal and Desmond Igbinosun all return. The three combined for 206 tackles last season. The big key will be finding replacements in 2024, either through recruiting or the portal. White, an ESPN four-star recruit in 2024, could soon find himself in a significant role. Sophomore cornerback Bo Mascoe is another player to watch.
