The Scarlet Knights keep one of the Big three around
Rutgers wide receiver KJ Duff has announced that he will return to the school for the 2026 season. Major concern over the chances of his return arose after his good friend and roommate, wide receiver Ian Strong, announced his intention to transfer yesterday. However, sources close to the program confirm that the Scarlet Knights staff was able to do what was necessary to keep Duff in a Rutgers uniform next season. He announced his return to Rutgers during the school’s men’s basketball game vs Ohio State.
Despite the team’s struggle overall in 2025, Duff had a standout season for the Knights. In 2025, Duff caught 60 passes for 1,084 yards and seven touchdowns. He had several highlight reel-type catches during his sophomore campaign, including an acrobatic catch late in the game against Penn State. Partially due to an injury to Strong, Duff set himself apart as the Knights’ No.1 receiver towards the end of last season.
His 2025 season was just another step forward from when he burst on the scene as a freshman in 2024. During his true freshman season, Duff caught 27 passes for 425 yards and one touchdown.
His talent, in combination with his 6-foot-6, 225-pound frame, will likely cement him as a high draft pick in whichever draft he chooses to declare for.
With his return and the return of Antwan Raymond, the Knights have successfully kept two of their big three offseason retention priorities. Now, the focus of the off-season shifts solely to rebuilding the defense from the ground up.
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Category: General Sports
