Rutgers football just added a familiar name to its 2026 recruiting class - and it’s one that carries some serious Scarlet Knights legacy.
Ian Asaeli Ngaue-Stephenson, a 6-foot-3, 310-pound offensive lineman out of Mesa, Arizona, announced his commitment to Rutgers over the weekend. He becomes the 23rd player in the Scarlet Knights’ 2026 class - and he’s not just any late addition. He’s the son of former Rutgers standout Cameron John-Ngaue Stephenson, who made it to the NFL as a fifth-round pick of the Pittsburgh Steelers back in 2007.
The younger Ngaue-Stephenson might not be a household name yet, but Rutgers’ staff clearly sees something in him. First-year offensive line coach Jim Turner made the trip out to Arizona last Thursday, and just two days later, Ngaue-Stephenson made it official. That kind of turnaround speaks volumes about the staff’s conviction - and the connection to the program’s past certainly doesn’t hurt.
With Ngaue-Stephenson now on board, Rutgers' 2026 class climbs to No. 41 nationally in the 247Sports Composite rankings. It’s a group that’s heavy on trench talent, especially up front on the offensive line, where five prospects are now locked in.
Let’s take a closer look at the full class, which was finalized on National Signing Day this past Wednesday:
Quarterback (1):
- Xavier Stearn (three-star, Pennsylvania): The lone QB in the class, Stearn brings a balanced skill set and leadership potential under center.
Offensive Line (5):
- Jared Smith (four-star, Georgia): The headliner of the group, Smith is a powerful blocker with SEC-level offers.
- Tyler Duell (three-star, Pennsylvania): A versatile lineman who can play across the front.
- Cameron Greene (three-star, New Jersey): A local product with strong upside and a physical edge.
- Logan Anthony (three-star, Pennsylvania): A steady, technically sound lineman who fits the Rutgers mold.
- Ian Asaeli Ngaue-Stephenson (unranked, Arizona): A legacy addition with size, strength, and a chance to develop under Turner’s guidance.
Wide Receiver (2):
- Dyzier Carter (four-star, Virginia): A dynamic playmaker with speed to burn and the potential to stretch the field.
- Elias Coke (three-star, Pennsylvania): A reliable target with good hands and route-running polish.
Running Back (1):
- Michael Dukes (three-star, Michigan): A physical back who brings a north-south running style and solid vision.
Tight End (2):
- DJ Howerton (three-star, North Carolina): A hybrid TE with receiving skills and blocking toughness.
- Brady Owens (three-star, Virginia): Another well-rounded option who can contribute in multiple ways.
Defensive Line (4):
- Donovan Johnson (three-star, North Carolina)
- Rinaldo Callaway (three-star, Georgia)
- Jermaine Polk (three-star, Ohio)
- Reece Beck (three-star, Florida)
This group brings length, motor, and versatility to the defensive front - a clear focus for the staff this cycle.
Defensive Back (4):
- Devonte Anderson (three-star, Florida)
- Sebastian Cruz (three-star, Florida)
- Brandon Murray (three-star, Florida)
- Jamareis Conyers (three-star, Florida)
All four hail from talent-rich Florida and bring a mix of speed, coverage ability, and physicality to the secondary.
Linebacker (2):
- Joey Kopec (three-star, Ohio)
- Tanner Raymond (three-star, Connecticut)
Both are high-motor defenders who fit the mold of Rutgers’ recent linebacker tradition - tough, instinctive, and sideline-to-sideline capable.
All told, this class checks a lot of boxes for Rutgers: depth in the trenches, speed on the perimeter, and a healthy dose of regional and national recruiting wins. And with Ngaue-Stephenson now in the fold, the Scarlet Knights not only add a big body up front - they bring in a name that already knows what it means to wear the block R.