Rutgers’ secondary has taken a significant hit, and it will have to ride out the rest of the 2026 season without one of its most experienced defenders.
Head coach Greg Schiano said Tuesday that Kaj Sanders will miss the remainder of the year. Sanders had started four games this fall and all 12 games last season. In his four appearances this season, he recorded 13 tackles and broke up one pass.
The Scarlet Knights are also down backup defensive back Zahmir Dawud for the rest of 2026, according to Schiano. Dawud posted three tackles in two defensive appearances this season.
“We have two guys that are done in the secondary,” Schiano said. “A little bit of a hit - actually, a big hit.
Kaj is going to be okay. He’ll heal and he’ll get back next year.
Zahmir, same thing. I think Zahmir Dawud has a chance.
He was hurt all spring and then he got hurt. I feel bad for the kid because he has talent.
He can play at this level, but we’ll get him back next year and he’ll be a productive member.”
Rutgers is also waiting on cornerback Kevin Levy, who has missed the last four games. Schiano said Levy should be back “soon.”
“I don’t know how soon, but soon,” Schiano said.
With Sanders sidelined, Rutgers turned to third-year player Sage Clawges against Maryland, and he responded in the victory over the Terrapins. Clawges finished with three tackles and a pass breakup.
“I thought Sage did well,” Schiano said. “Sage went in there and played well. There’s things that he has to get better at, and he will, but he really ran the defense and did a good job.”
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Greg Schiano Still Can't Escape One Brutal National Ranking
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The timing is awkward for Schiano because Rutgers just delivered a much-needed win over Maryland, the kind of response that can ease the temperature around a program. Even so, the ranking serves as a reminder that one good afternoon does not erase the broader questions that have followed the Scarlet Knights all season, and the seat remains hot enough that every week feels like it carries extra weight. [Read more 🡒]