Rutgers football received good news as Antwan Raymond and KJ Duff announced they're returning to the Scarlet Knights for the 2026 season.
One day after Rutgers football lost one of its top offensive weapons, two more announced they're returning to the Scarlet Knights for the 2026 season.
Running back Antwan Raymond, who had a breakout year this past season, said on social media Jan. 2 he will be back to lead the running game next season.
And wide receiver KJ Duff made a dramatic announcement during the men's basketball team's loss to Ohio State, as the Jersey Mike's Arena videoboard played a video declaring the return of Duff, who was in attendance.
It’s a major boost for Rutgers and Kirk Ciarrocca’s offense as Raymond, a Montreal native, became one of the top rushers in the Big Ten in 2025 while Duff, who played at St. Anthony's High School on Long Island, has developed into one of the nation's top receivers and a no-doubt NFL prospect.
In 12 games the 5-foot-11, 205-pound Raymond had 1,241 rushing yards on 244 carries (5.1 per carry) with 13 touchdowns.
Raymond became the starter after FAU transfer CJ Campbell Jr. suffered a season-ending injury in the third game of the season.
Raymond’s breakout year came after Rutgers lost Kyle Monangai, now with the Chicago Bears as a seventh-round draft pick, to graduation.
Duff, meanwhile, had 60 catches for 1,084 yards with seven touchdowns this past season.
Rutgers on Jan. 1 lost one of its top playmakers as Ian Strong announced he was entering the transfer portal.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Rutgers football gets boost with return of Antwan Raymond, KJ Duff
Category: General Sports
