PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Rutgers football head coach
Greg Schiano announced the signings of 21 student-athletes to the 2026 recruiting class.
• The class has five offensive lineman, four defensive backs, two listed as athlete, two defensive linemen, two linebackers, two tight ends, two wide receivers, one quarterback and one running back.
• The class is represented by nine different states: Florida (4), Pennsylvania (4), Virginia (3), Georgia (2), New Jersey (2), North Carolina (2), Ohio (2), Connecticut (1) and Michigan (1).
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| NAME |
POSITION |
HEIGHT |
WEIGHT |
HOMETOWN |
HIGH SCHOOL |
| Devonte Anderson |
DB |
6-1 |
185 |
Orlando, Fla. |
West Orange |
| Logan Anthony |
OL |
6-4 |
320 |
Lehighton, Pa. |
Palmerton |
| Reece Beck |
DL |
6-6 |
245 |
Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. |
Ponte Vedra |
| Rinaldo Callaway III |
ATH |
6-4 |
210 |
Macon, Ga. |
Southwest |
| Dyzier Carter |
WR |
5-11 |
180 |
Louisa, Va. |
Louisa County |
| Elias Coke |
WR |
6-3 |
210 |
Harrisburg, Pa. |
Harrisburg |
| Jamareis 'JJ' Conyers |
DB |
6-2 |
175 |
Wimauma, Fla. |
Sumner |
| Sebastian Cruz |
DB |
5-11 |
185 |
Fleming Island, Fla. |
Fleming Island |
| Tyler Duell |
OL |
6-7 |
305 |
West Chester, Pa. |
West Chester East |
| Michael Dukes III |
RB |
6-0 |
200 |
Eastpointe, Mich. |
Martin Luther King Jr. |
| Cameron Greene |
OL |
6-6 |
315 |
Sicklerville, N.J. |
St. Augustine Prep |
| DJ Howerton |
TE |
6-5 |
235 |
Kernersville, N.C. |
Grimsley |
| Donovan Johnson |
OL |
6-3 |
325 |
Fayetteville, N.C. |
Pine Forest |
| Joey Kopec |
LB |
6-2 |
205 |
Northfield, Ohio |
Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy |
| Brandon Murray |
DB |
6-1 |
180 |
Haymarket, Va. |
Battlefield |
| Brady Owens |
TE |
6-6 |
230 |
Arlington, Va. |
Yorktown |
| Jermaine Polk |
DL |
6-2 |
285 |
Toledo, Ohio |
St. Francis de Sales |
| Tanner Raymond |
LB |
6-3 |
210 |
Windsor, Conn. |
Choate Rosemary Hall |
| Jared Smith |
OL |
6-5 |
330 |
Stockbridge, Ga. |
Stockbridge |
| Xavier Stearn |
QB |
6-6 |
215 |
Ambler, Pa. |
Germantown |
| RJ Wortman |
ATH |
6-3 |
210 |
Avenel, N.J. |
Colonia |
Devonte Anderson
DB • 6-1 • 185
Orlando, Fla./West Orange
Prior to Rutgers: Coached by Geno Thompson at West Orange ... played defensive back and wide receiver during scholastic career ... helped the Warriors to a 10-2 record and a FHSAA Region 2 semifinal appearance in 2025 ... finished senior season with 40 tackles, 17 passes defended, seven interceptions and 2.5 tackles-for-loss ... also added 437 all-purpose yards and five touchdowns on offense ... contributed 38 tackles, 10 pass breakups, and three interceptions on defense as a junior ... an honorable mention All-
Orange Observer selection as a utility player in 2024.
Logan Anthony
OL • 6-4 • 320
Lehighton, Pa./Palmerton
Prior to Rutgers: Coached by Chris Walkowiak at Palmerton ... played along the offensive and defensive lines for the Blue Bombers ... finished with 158 tackles, 38 tackles-for-loss, 27 quarterback hurries, 5.5 sacks and two fumble recoveries during high school career ... closed senior season with 31 tackles, 12 tackles-for-loss and two fumble recoveries ... 2024 PIAA Class 3A All-State selection on the offensive line ... also plays basketball and participates in track and field at Palmerton.
Reece Beck
DL • 6-6 • 245
Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla./Ponte Vedra
Prior to Rutgers: Coached by Steve Price at Ponte Vedra ... played tight end and along the defensive line for the Sharks ... helped Ponte Vedra to a 11-2 record and 5A FHSAA semifinal appearance as a senior ... recorded 41 tackles, 14 tackles-for-loss, 12 sacks, 10 quarterback hurries and two forced fumbles during senior season ... added 22 tackles, 13 quarterback hurries, eight sacks, three passes defended and a fumble recovery as a junior.
Rinaldo Callaway III
ATH • 6-4 • 210
Macon, Ga./Southwest
Prior to Rutgers: Coached by Joe Dupree at Southwest ... played defensive end and tight end for the Patriots ... produced 312 tackles, 89 tackles-for-loss, 37 sacks, 15 quarterback hurries, 14 forced fumbles and four interceptions during scholastic career ... finished senior season with 23 catches for 430 yards and three touchdowns ... added 65 tackles, 18 tackles-for-loss, 6.5 sacks and four interceptions on defense ... 2025 Region 2, Division 1 Athlete of the Year ... hauled in 17 receptions for 274 yards and three touchdowns as a junior ... also racked up 100 tackles, 29 tackles-for-loss, 11.5 sacks and three forced fumbles on defense ... a four-star signee and top 300 prospect nationally by
Rivals ... a four-star prospect and No. 36 overall edge recruit in the country by
247Sports ... also plays basketball at Southwest.
Dyzier Carter
WR • 5-11 • 180
Louisa, Va./Louisa County
Prior to Rutgers: Coached by Will Patrick at Louisa County ... played wide receiver and defensive back during scholastic career ... helped the Lions to an 11-1 record and a VHSL Region B semifinal appearance during senior season ... hauled in 19 catches for 509 yards and seven touchdowns in 2025 ... also added 220 rushing yards and a score ... 2025 First Team All-Jefferson District on offense ... selected as an Under Armour All-American after producing 28 catches for 736 yards and nine touchdowns along with five rushing scores as a junior ... First Team 5C All-Region pick on offense ... Third Team 5C All-Region selection on defense ... First Team All-Jefferson District on both sides of the ball ... a four-star signee and No. 6 overall prospect in Virginia by
247Sports ... a top 300 recruit nationally and No. 6 overall prospect from the Old Dominion State by
ESPN.
Elias Coke
WR • 6-3 • 210
Harrisburg, Pa./Harrisburg
Prior to Rutgers: Coached by Calvin Everett at Harrisburg ... played wide receiver and defensive back for the Cougars ... finished high school career with 194 receptions for 3,268 yards and 42 touchdowns ... also produced 122 career tackles, 13 passes defended, six interceptions and four tackles-for-loss ... helped the Cougars to a 13-1 record and a Class 6A PIAA State semifinal appearance as a senior ... hauled in 75 catches for 1,048 yards and 14 touchdowns along with a rushing touchdown as a senior ... closed junior season with 968 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns along with 47 tackles and five interceptions ... Second Team PIAA 6A All-State selection at receiver ... four-star signee and No. 9 overall prospect in Pennsylvania by
ESPN.

Jamareis 'JJ' Conyers
DB • 6-2 • 175
Wimauma, Fla./Sumner
Prior to Rutgers: Coached by George Selvie at Sumner ... played defensive back and wide receiver during scholastic career ... helped the Stingrays to a 10-3 record and a FHSAA 7A Region 2 final as a senior ... produced 49 tackles, eight passes defended, eight interceptions and three forced fumbles in 2025 ... added three receiving touchdowns and three rushing touchdowns on offense ... also saw action at quarterback and threw eight touchdown passes ... FCAA All-District selection as a defensive back ... tallied 38 tackles, eight passes defended and two interceptions as a junior.
Sebastian Cruz
DB • 5-11 • 185
Fleming Island, Fla./Fleming Island
Prior to Rutgers: Coached by Tom MacPherson at Fleming Island ... played defensive back and running back during scholastic career ... produced six rushing touchdowns in 2025 ... registered 114 tackles, 12 pass breakups and five interceptions as a junior ... 2024 all-district selection as a utility player ... All-First Coast selection on defense by
Jacksonville.com ... also competed in track and field at Fleming Island, winning FHSAA 3A District 3 titles in the 100, 200 and 4x100 events ... high school teammate of
Abram Wright.
Tyler Duell
OL • 6-7 • 305
West Chester, Pa./West Chester East
Prior to Rutgers: Coached by Dean Owens at West Chester East ... played along the offensive and defensive lines for the during scholastic career ... helped the Vikings to the playoffs during senior season ... First Team PIAA 5A All-State selection on the offensive line as a junior.
Michael Dukes III
RB • 6-0 • 200
Eastpointe, Mich./Martin Luther King Jr.
Prior to Rutgers: Coached by Terel Patrick at Martin Luther King Jr. ... played running back during scholastic career ... helped the Crusaders to seven wins and a MHSAA Region 4 final as a senior ... rushed for 415 yards and five touchdowns in five games of action ... added 123 carries for 1,343 yards and 20 touchdowns, averaging over 10 yards per carry as a junior.
Cameron Greene
OL • 6-6 • 315
Sicklerville, N.J./St. Augustine Prep
Prior to Rutgers: Coached by Pete Lancetta at St. Augustine Prep ... played along the offensive and defensive lines during scholastic career ... helped the Hermits to a NJSIAA Non-Public, Group A quarterfinal appearance during senior season ... First Team All-WJFL American Division on the offensive line.
DJ Howerton
TE • 6-5 • 235
Kernersville, N.C./Grimsley
Prior to Rutgers: Coached by Darryl Brown at Grimsley ... played tight end and defensive end during scholastic career ... helped the Whirlies to a 13-0 record and NCHSAA semifinal appearance as a senior ... Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas selection at tight end ... hauled in seven touchdowns as a junior, helping Grimsley to a perfect 16-0 record and NCHSAA state title ... Second Team All-Area and Honorable Mention All-Conference in 2024 ... also plays basketball at Grimsley.
Donovan Johnson
OL • 6-3 • 325
Fayetteville, N.C./Pine Forest
Prior to Rutgers: Coached by Kevin Inman at Pine Forest ... played along the offensive and defensive lines during scholastic career ... three-time all-conference selection ... finished junior season with 55 tackles, 13 tackles-for-loss, 10 quarterback hurries, two forced fumbles and two sacks in 2024 ... also competed in track and field at Pine Forest, participating in the shot put and discus events.
Joey Kopec
LB • 6-2 • 205
Northfield, Ohio/Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy
Prior to Rutgers: Coached by Nick Cook at Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy ... played linebacker and running back during scholastic career ... finished high school career with 482 carries for 3,585 yards and 42 rushing touchdowns ... produced 4,791 career all-purpose yards and 50 career touchdowns ... a three-time All-Ohio selection ... helped the Royals to a perfect 12-0 record and an OHSAA Region 9 state title as a senior ... produced 36 tackles, three tackles-for-loss, two forced fumbles, two quarterback hurries, a sack and an interception in just 25 quarters of action due to running-clock games in 2025 ... also finished with 83 carries for 799 yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground ... Division III NE Inland District Defensive Player of the Year ... a CVCA First Team All-District selection at linebacker ... finished junior season with 85 tackles, six interceptions and four tackles-for-loss ... also contributed 1,043 rushing yards and 10 scores on the ground in 2024.
Brandon Murray
DB • 6-1 • 180
Haymarket, Va./Battlefield
Prior to Rutgers: Coached by Greg Hatfield at Battlefield ... played defensive back and wide receiver during scholastic career ... helped the Bobcats to a 10-2 record and a VHSL Region B semifinal appearance during senior season ... produced 63 tackles, seven tackles-for-loss, five pass breakups, three forced fumbles and an interception in 2025 ... also added 325 all-purpose yards and three touchdowns on offense ... First Team All-Cedar Run District on defense as a senior ... closed junior season with 21 tackles, four tackles-for-loss and an interception.
Brady Owens
TE • 6-6 • 230
Arlington, Va./Yorktown
Prior to Rutgers: Coached by Alec Hicks at Yorktown ... played tight end during scholastic career ... helped the Patriots to a 6-0 District record and a VHSL Region D quarterfinal appearance as a senior ... produced 49 catches for 628 yards and three touchdowns in 2025 ... named First Team All-Liberty District and Second Team Offensive Player of the Year at tight end ... also hauled in 36 catches for 336 yards and five touchdowns as a junior.
Jermaine Polk
DL • 6-2 • 285
Toledo, Ohio/St. Francis de Sales
Prior to Rutgers: Coached by Josh Lindke at St. Francis de Sales ... played along the defensive and offensive lines during scholastic career ... helped the Knights to an OHSAA Region 6 playoff appearance as a senior ... First Team All-CHSL ... First Team Division II Northwest Ohio All-District selection and Defensive Player of the Year in 2025 ... also an all-district honoree as a junior ... plays basketball at St. Francis de Sales.
Tanner Raymond
LB • 6-3 • 210
Windsor, Conn./Choate Rosemary Hall
Prior to Rutgers: Coached by LJ Spinnato at Choate Rosemary Hall ... played outside linebacker, tight end and wide receiver during scholastic career ... helped the Wild Boars to an 8-2 record and a win in the NEPSAC Leon Modeste Bowl as a senior … named Founder's League Player of the Year ... Class A Group One Player of the Year and First Team All-Conference at wide receiver in 2025 ... also plays basketball at Choate Rosemary Hall.
Jared Smith
OL • 6-5 • 330
Stockbridge, Ga./Stockbridge
Prior to Rutgers: Coached by Kendrick Callier at Stockbridge ... played along the offensive line during scholastic career ... helped the Tigers to an 8-3 record and a GHSA AAAA playoff appearance as a senior ... a Class 4A Region two selection on the offensive line as a junior ... a four-star signee and No. 19 interior line prospect nationally by
ESPN ... uncle, Tyron Smith, was an eight-time NFL Pro Bowl selection and two-time All-Pro at offensive tackle for the Dallas Cowboys (2011-2023) and New York Jets (2024).
Xavier Stearn
QB • 6-6 • 215
Ambler, Pa./Germantown
Prior to Rutgers: Coached by Kyle Donahue at Germantown ... set school career records with 463 completions for 6,304 yards and 67 touchdowns ... produced single-season school records with 188-of-303 for 2,290 yards and 28 touchdown passes as a senior ... named First Team Inter-AC All-League selection ... finished 149-of-241 with 2,290 yards and 31 touchdowns as a junior ... also plays baseball at Germantown.
RJ Wortman
ATH • 6-3 • 210
Avenel, N.J./Colonia
Prior to Rutgers: Coached by Tom Roarty at Colonia ... played defensive back and wide receiver during scholastic career ... helped the Patriots to a NJSIAA Group IV semifinal appearance during senior campaign ... finished senior season fifth in the nation with 101 catches for a state-leading 1,307 yards receiving and 15 touchdowns ... added 17 tackles and two interceptions on defense, returning one for a score ... also added a punt return touchdown ... also plays basketball at Colonia, averaging 12 points per game as a junior.
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