ESPN Analyst Ranks Rutgers Football No.43 Among All Power Four Programs

ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg has ranked all Power four football programs to see how they stack up against one another. Out of all 68 power football programs, Rittenberg slated Rutgers at 43, putting them 9 teams behind the middle point.

Ritternberg listed the offensive line as a team strength because they are returning capable Big Ten starters such as Gus Zilinskas, Bryan Felter, and Kwabena Asamoah. He also believes that most of Rutgers’ “Stars” play on the offensive line, as he pointed out this trio in his segment on the offensive and defensive line, and in his segment titled “star power”, which is meant to highlight the top performers on their team.

Rittenberg also mentioned how the defensive line could be a strength for the Scarlet Knights, depending on how the recent transfer class turns out. There is some concern about the Knights’ interior defensive line; however, there is a lot of excitement for the defensive end position as Rutgers added Eric O’Neill and Bradley Weaver in the offseason to complement growing talent Jordan Walker.

In the wide receiver room, Rittenberg highlighted transfer DT Sheffield and Ian Strong as two players poised to have a breakout season for Rutgers.

He also pointed out that Rutgers’ recruiting classes have improved, according to ESPN. ESPN has Rutgers’ 2025 class ranked at the 28th best in the nation, while the 2026 class currently sits as the 19th best in the nation.

Rutgers ranks above Big Ten opponents Maryland, Michigan State, Northwestern, Purdue, UCLA and Wisconsin according to Rittenberg.

In the article, Rittenberg failed to mention any true weakness of the Knights. He did, however, make a note that Robb Smith is in his third stint as Rutgers’ Defensive Coordinator when discussing the quality of the coaching staff. This highlights the concern on the defensive…

Source link : https://www.onthebanks.com/2025/6/22/24453536/espn-analyst-ranks-rutgers-football-no-43-among-all-power-four-programs

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Publish date : 2025-06-22 21:59:00

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