Rutgers football is in the thick of what’s shaping up to be a pivotal offseason-and things are only just getting started.
With major changes already hitting the coaching staff and a handful of players eyeing the transfer portal, the Scarlet Knights are navigating a stretch that could define the trajectory of Greg Schiano’s program heading into 2025. From a high-profile defensive coordinator search to key roster decisions, there’s no shortage of storylines in Piscataway right now. Let’s break down the four biggest ones worth keeping an eye on.
1. The Defensive Coordinator Search: Schiano’s Clock, Schiano’s Call
Rutgers is in the market for a new defensive coordinator-or potentially coordinators-after parting ways with three members of last season’s defensive staff, including both co-defensive coordinators. But if you’re expecting a quick hire, pump the brakes. Greg Schiano operates on his own timeline, and if history is any indication, there’s no need to hit the panic button just yet.
Last offseason, the Scarlet Knights didn’t finalize their co-defensive coordinator hires until early February. Offensive coordinator Kirk Ciarrocca, widely considered one of the strongest hires of the Schiano 2.0 era, came aboard in early January.
So this current pace? It’s not out of the ordinary.
There’s also the very real possibility that Rutgers’ next defensive coordinator is still coaching-either in a bowl game or in the NFL. That means patience is more than just a virtue here; it’s a necessity. While fans might be eager for answers, the program appears to be playing this one smart and strategic.
And no, despite some light-hearted speculation, there’s no credible indication that an announcement is imminent. But if something does drop on Christmas Eve? Well, it wouldn’t be the first time Schiano delivered a holiday surprise.
2. Transfer Portal Losses: So Far, So Stable
The transfer portal officially opens on January 2, but we’re already getting a glimpse at what Rutgers might be losing-and so far, it’s not much.
Only one player with multiple starts last season, defensive back Bo Mascoe, has entered the portal. Linebacker Sam Robinson, who made one start and rotated in at times, is also on his way out. Beyond that, it’s mostly expected departures due to graduation or the NFL Draft process.
That’s a strong early sign for Rutgers. It suggests a program where players feel aligned with the coaching staff’s vision, especially when it comes to development and playing time. And while some departures are inevitable-whether due to fit, opportunity, or depth chart positioning-the Scarlet Knights appear to be holding onto the core they want to build around.
In an era where roster turnover is often the norm, Rutgers’ relative stability is worth noting. It speaks to a culture that’s resonating with players, even amid staff changes and offseason uncertainty.
3. Rebuilding the Defensive Core: Expect a Portal Push
Let’s be honest-last year’s defense didn’t live up to expectations. And with Mascoe already out and more potential turnover on the horizon, Rutgers looks poised to make a serious push in the transfer portal to retool its defensive unit.
The Scarlet Knights are likely targeting five or six new defensive starters through the portal, aiming to inject both talent and experience into a group that struggled to consistently meet the program’s standard. That kind of overhaul isn’t just about plugging holes-it’s about reshaping the identity of the defense altogether.
Schiano has never been shy about using the portal strategically, and this offseason appears no different. Expect Rutgers to be aggressive in identifying players who can step in and contribute right away, particularly in the secondary and linebacker corps.
The message is clear: the standard on defense is higher than what we saw last season, and Rutgers is going to do what it takes to raise it.
4. Retention Watch: Quiet, But That’s Not a Bad Thing
Sometimes in the offseason, silence is golden.
As of now, there’s been no public movement from key players like K.J. Duff, Ian Strong, or Antwan Raymond-three names that Rutgers would very much like to keep in the fold. And while that doesn’t guarantee they’re staying, the absence of any departure announcements is a positive sign.
It means the program is still very much in the mix with these players, working behind the scenes to retain them. In today’s college football landscape, where social media often breaks news before coaches do, the quiet can be telling.
If Rutgers can hold onto all three, it would be a major win for Schiano and his staff. But even retaining two out of the three would help maintain continuity and keep the Scarlet Knights’ young core intact.
Final Thought: A Defining Offseason in the Making
This isn’t just another offseason for Rutgers-it’s a defining one. The moves made over the next few weeks will shape the 2025 roster and, potentially, the trajectory of the program under Greg Schiano’s second stint.
The coaching hires, the portal additions, the player retention-they’re all pieces of a puzzle that could determine whether Rutgers continues to climb in the Big Ten or stalls out in a crowded and competitive conference.
So buckle up. The offseason drama is just getting started in Piscataway, and if history has taught us anything, Schiano tends to make his biggest moves when people least expect it.