The college football recruiting cycle never really hits pause - it just shifts gears. And Rutgers is already looking ahead to the future, casting its eyes toward the 2027 class with a pair of quarterback offers that could shape the Scarlet Knights’ long-term outlook under center.
Two names to know: Jake Nawrot and Israel Abrams - both out of Illinois, both standing 6-foot-4, and both turning heads with their production, poise, and potential.
Let’s start with Nawrot, a signal-caller from John Hersey High School in Arlington Heights. He checks in at 6'4", 190 pounds, and is currently ranked as the No. 25 quarterback in the 2027 class by the 247Sports composite.
In the state of Illinois, he’s slotted as the 11th-best overall player. His junior season stat line reads like something out of a video game: 187 completions on 263 attempts, 3,078 yards through the air, 41 touchdowns, and just 2 interceptions.
That kind of efficiency - paired with the ability to stretch the field - is what college coaches dream about.
But Nawrot isn’t just a pocket passer. He added 124 rushing yards and 8 touchdowns on the ground, showing he can make plays with his legs when needed.
His efforts earned him All-State honors from the Illinois High School Football Coaches Association - a nod to just how impactful he was this past season. And it’s not just Rutgers taking notice.
Nawrot already holds offers from eight other Power Five programs, and he’s also a multi-sport athlete, suiting up for the John Hersey basketball team.
Then there’s Israel Abrams out of Montini Catholic - another quarterback from Arlington Heights, but with a different flavor to his game. Abrams is a four-star prospect, ranked No. 5 among quarterbacks nationally and also the No. 5 player in Illinois.
His junior season? Nothing short of prolific.
He led the entire state in passing with 4,072 yards and 40 touchdowns, averaging over 290 passing yards per game. Add in 10 rushing touchdowns, and you’re looking at a 50-touchdown season.
That’s elite-level production, no matter how you slice it.
Abrams already has offers from Indiana, Ole Miss, and several other Power Four schools, and his stock continues to rise. He’s got the arm talent, the mobility, and the kind of command that makes offensive coordinators take notice.
Speaking of which, both Nawrot and Abrams recently met with Rutgers offensive coordinator Kirk Ciarrocca during his recruiting swing through Illinois. Ciarrocca didn’t just evaluate from afar - he delivered the offers in person, a move that underscores how serious Rutgers is about landing one (or both) of these standout quarterbacks.
For Rutgers, these offers are more than just early interest - they’re a statement. The Scarlet Knights are looking to build something sustainable, and that starts with identifying and connecting with top-tier talent early in the process. Nawrot and Abrams each bring different strengths to the table, but both have the tools to lead a Power Four offense.
It’s still early in the 2027 recruiting cycle, but Rutgers is making its intentions clear: the quarterback of the future might just be coming from the heart of Illinois.