Rutgers Roundup: Football Adds Talent, Hoops Hits a Wall Ahead of Big Week
It’s been a busy stretch in Piscataway, with the Rutgers football program continuing to reload through both the high school ranks and the transfer portal, while the men’s basketball team looks to regroup after a tough week in Big Ten play. Let’s break down what’s happening on both sides of the Scarlet Knights' athletic spectrum.
From the Gridiron: New Faces and Future Focus
Kevyn Humes Joins the Secondary
Rutgers dipped back into the transfer portal and came away with a key addition to its defensive backfield. Kevyn Humes, a cornerback who spent the past two seasons at Maryland, is now officially a Scarlet Knight. Originally committed to Boston College out of the portal, Humes pivoted to Rutgers and is already enrolled in classes.
At 5-foot-11 and 185 pounds, Humes brings versatility to the secondary - he can line up outside or slide into the slot, depending on the matchup. He’s got two years of eligibility remaining and arrives with pedigree, having been a four-star recruit out of powerhouse St.
Frances Academy in Baltimore. For a Rutgers defense that continues to trend upward under Greg Schiano, Humes could be a valuable piece in both coverage and depth.
First Commit of 2027: Sydney Padilla
Recruiting never stops - and Rutgers just got an early jump on the class of 2027. Tight end Sydney Padilla out of West Orange, New Jersey, became the first pledge in that class after a visit from tight ends coach Scott Vallone. Vallone, who’s been making waves on the recruiting trail, helped seal the deal.
Padilla cited his relationship with Vallone and Rutgers’ tight end-friendly offense as key reasons for his commitment. Staying close to home didn’t hurt either. The 6-foot-4 prospect held offers from Syracuse, Kentucky, West Virginia, and Boston College, among others, but ultimately decided that Rutgers was the right fit.
Schedule Shuffle: Friday Night Lights in Chestnut Hill
The Scarlet Knights’ 2026 schedule saw a tweak this past week. Rutgers will now face Boston College on the road on Friday, September 11 - marking the second game of the season. It’s not unfamiliar territory for Rutgers, which played two Friday night games last year, including a road trip to Washington and a home contest against Iowa.
The last time Rutgers faced Boston College was in 2022, a thriller that ended in a 22-21 Rutgers win. Despite that victory, Boston College still holds a commanding lead in the all-time series, 20-7-1. This year’s matchup will be another chance for Rutgers to chip away at that deficit in a primetime setting.
QB Target Watch: Jake Nawrot Offered
Looking even further down the road, Rutgers extended a scholarship offer to 2027 quarterback prospect Jake Nawrot out of John Hersey High School in Arlington Heights, Illinois. At 6-foot-4 and 190 pounds, Nawrot has the frame and arm talent that programs love to develop.
He’s only the second quarterback Rutgers has offered in the 2027 class - and the only one still uncommitted. Nawrot said he’s been in regular contact with offensive coordinator Kirk Ciarrocca, who visited him in person before head coach Greg Schiano extended the offer over the phone. It’s early, but Rutgers is clearly doing its homework on potential future signal-callers.
From the Hardwood: A Rough Week with a Big One Ahead
Two Losses, One Wake-Up Call
It was a tough week for Steve Pikiell and the Rutgers men’s basketball team. First came a 68-62 road loss at Iowa - a competitive back-and-forth affair that slipped away late. But the real gut punch came back home at Jersey Mike’s Arena, where Indiana handed Rutgers one of its worst defeats of the season, 82-59.
After the game, Pikiell didn’t sugarcoat it.
“Obviously, I’m disappointed with how we played on both ends of the floor, and it’s on me,” he said. “It started yesterday - we had a terrible practice, the worst of the season.”
Indiana came in shooting the ball well - and they left shooting even better. The Hoosiers lit it up, with Nick Dorn, Lamar Wilkerson, and Darian DeVries all hitting or exceeding their scoring averages. Rutgers, meanwhile, struggled to match the energy and execution, especially on the defensive end and the glass - two areas that had been trending in the right direction.
Pikiell took full accountability, but also credited Indiana for executing at a high level. “They shot the ball as well as they have all year, and we knew they were capable of that.”
What’s Next: Michigan State, Then USC
Now sitting at 9-11 overall and 2-7 in Big Ten play, Rutgers is staring down a pivotal stretch. It starts Tuesday night with a home game against No.
10 Michigan State - a team that brings both firepower and physicality. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m.
EST at Jersey Mike’s Arena, and the Scarlet Knights will need to bring far more energy than they showed against Indiana.
Then it’s a cross-country trip to USC on Saturday night, with tip-off scheduled for 7 p.m. EST. It’s a tough turnaround, but also a chance for Rutgers to prove it can bounce back.
Bottom Line
For Rutgers football, the offseason grind is in full swing - and the staff continues to build for both the near and distant future. Kevyn Humes adds experience to the defense, while early commitments like Sydney Padilla and quarterback targets like Jake Nawrot show the long-term vision is intact.
On the basketball side, it’s gut-check time. The Big Ten grind doesn’t get any easier, but this week offers a chance to reset, respond, and show some fight. Pikiell’s group has shown flashes - now it’s about consistency and resilience.
The Scarlet Knights have plenty to prove. And this week, they’ll get their shot.