As the early signing period wraps and the college football world turns its attention to the transfer portal, Rutgers finds itself at a familiar crossroads - navigating the ever-evolving landscape of New Jersey recruiting. Head coach Greg Schiano has long emphasized the importance of keeping local talent close to home, but recent trends suggest a strategic shift may be underway.
This year’s early signing class included just two New Jersey prospects: offensive lineman Cameron Greene and athlete RJ Wortman. That number mirrors last year’s haul from the transfer portal, which also brought in two Garden State natives. It’s a subtle but telling sign that while Rutgers still values its homegrown pipeline, the program is becoming more selective - and perhaps more pragmatic - about how it taps into it.
There’s context behind the shift. Since the class of 2022, Rutgers has signed 29 players out of New Jersey high schools.
On paper, that’s a solid commitment to local recruiting. But dig a little deeper, and the returns haven’t quite matched the investment.
Of those 29 players, only five have started a game. And two of those five have started three games or fewer.
Even more telling: nearly half - 13 players - are no longer with the program.
That kind of attrition rate raises questions about fit, development, and long-term planning. It’s not that New Jersey lacks talent - far from it.
The state consistently produces Power Five-caliber players. But translating high school success into Big Ten production is a different challenge entirely.
Whether it’s a matter of competition level, scheme fit, or simply the natural attrition that comes with college football, the numbers suggest Rutgers is reassessing how it approaches its own backyard.
That’s where the transfer portal becomes a key piece of the puzzle. Schiano and his staff have shown they’re willing to circle back and bring New Jersey players home after they’ve spent time elsewhere.
It’s a strategy that offers a second look at players who’ve had a chance to develop physically and mentally in other programs. And for Rutgers, that’s often a lower-risk, higher-reward proposition than banking on high school projections alone.
As the portal officially opens next week, expect Rutgers to be active - especially when it comes to players with New Jersey ties. The staff knows the state, the players, and the families. That familiarity can be a major asset in portal recruiting, where relationships and trust often matter just as much as scheme and opportunity.
In the bigger picture, this evolving approach reflects the broader reality of modern college football. Recruiting isn’t just about high school anymore.
It’s about building a roster through multiple channels - and knowing when to pivot. For Rutgers, that means continuing to mine New Jersey for talent, but doing so with a sharper eye and a longer view.
The goal remains the same: build a competitive, sustainable program. The path to get there is just a little different than it used to be.