PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Jordan Thompson has done it all on the defensive line. Entering Saturday's game at No. 1 Ohio State, the fifth-year senior has played in 48 consecutive games for the Scarlet Knights at multiple spots along the front.

Most recently, Thompson started the last four games at defensive tackle, including as the titled nose. That comes after starting all 13 games last season at defensive end, posting 26 tackles with an interception, pass breakup and forced fumble. In certain packages over the years, he's lined at three-technique, showcasing his versatility and willingness to help the team as needed.

"It's violent and physical playing on the defensive line," Thompson said. "But it's fun. Playing in the trenches, the play happens a lot faster with ball right in front of you."

As part of head coach Greg Schiano's first full recruiting class upon returning, Thompson's impact has been felt in a variety of ways.

"First of all, Jordan is a tremendous human being, a great person and very intelligent," Schiano said. "He is a glue guy on our team. The fact that he can play multiple positions up front is very helpful. To do that, you have to be a great athlete and be smart enough to know the assignments. He's a committed player to this program that we're very blessed to have."

From Parsippany, New Jersey, Thompson grew up always wanting to play at Rutgers. His mother, Neretta, is an alumna and ran track for the Scarlet Knights, and the family frequently made the trip to Piscataway for football Saturdays. Despite an unconventional recruiting process without official visits during the pandemic, Thompson knew Rutgers was the right place for him.

"I still remember when I got the offer from Coach Schiano, it was amazing," Thompson recalled. "It was one of the best moments of my life, that was my dream. I wanted to come here."

Thompson has taken advantage of the opportunity. He saw action in two games as a true freshman in 2021 and credits Mayan Ahanotu as one of the leaders who showed him the ropes in adjusting to college.

"Mayan is a guy who did everything right," Thompson said. "He did it the hard way, didn't take the easy way out of anything and he showed me what hard work can really get you."

Since the start of the 2022 season, Thompson has appeared in every game and just became the 49th player in program history to play at least 50 games for Rutgers. He has posted two interceptions, 2023 versus Temple and 2024 at Maryland, a rarity for a defensive lineman, with 87 tackles altogether, including a career-high six stops in the snowy win last year at Michigan State.

That's all just part of his Rutgers experience. Having graduated as a sport management major, Thompson is now in the supply chain management graduate program.

"Like Coach Schiano says all the time, the people who you make friends with here are literally your family for life and I really do believe that. It's been a been a lot of great memories. I've grown a lot on and off the field the past five years."



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