PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Rutgers men's golf freshman Lucas Politano has been named Big Ten Golfer of the Week following his standout performance at the Canadian Collegiate this past weekend in Ontario.

It is the first time since Rutgers joined the Big Ten that it has been honored with back-to-back Big Ten Golfer of the Week awards following Jeffrey Zatorski's honor last week.

"I played great golf all week, made a bunch of putts, and hit it well," Politano said. "This is a huge confidence builder for me early in my career. Having this experience under my belt is only going to help me grow."

Politano delivered one of the best individual showings in program history, finishing second overall at the event with a three-round score of 198 (-18). The Vermont native capped his run with a blistering final-round 63, just one stroke shy of the tournament champion, Notre Dame's Calen Sanderson (-19).

"I honestly think the success starts with the culture we've built here," head coach Rob Shutte said. "The guys are genuinely happy for one another, and that shows both on and off the course. We even went fishing together this week, and that time away from golf makes us stronger when we're competing."

His 198 total ranks among the lowest 54-hole scores ever recorded by a Scarlet Knight, further establishing Politano as one of the nation's top young golfers in his debut season.

Politano's performance helped Rutgers secure a strong team finish against a deep and talented collegiate field. It also marked the first weekly conference honor of his career and the program's first Big Ten Golfer of the Week recognition of the 2025-26 season.

The Scarlet Knights return to action later this month when they compete at [next tournament name/date if known].