Scarlet Knights Bolster The Defensive Line With Portal Add
Rutgers football is just getting started in the transfer portal, landing a key addition on the defensive front with the signing of defensive tackle Jaedin Lee out of the University of Maine.
Lee, a 6-foot-3, 310-pound interior lineman, brings size and versatility to a Rutgers defensive line room in transition. After playing mostly on special teams as a true freshman, he saw a bigger role in all 12 games during his sophomore season, posting a career-high 32 tackles, 11 solo, and 3.5 tackles for loss. Lee enters Piscataway with two years of eligibility remaining and provides Big Ten size and depth at the position.
A native of Chester, Virginia, Lee was a key rotational piece for Maine and saw his defensive snaps increase significantly in his sophomore season, proving durable and effective against both the run and pass. His combination of power and technique drew interest from multiple programs in the portal, but Rutgers ultimately secured his commitment as part of its ongoing effort to retool the trenches under head coach Greg Schiano.
Lee becomes the latest transfer addition in the early stages of Rutgers’ 2026 cycle, joining other portal standouts and helping address areas of roster turnover on defense. At 310 pounds with a frame that projects well in a rotational role or potential starter down the line, Lee gives the Scarlet Knights more depth and competition up front as they prepare for next season.
With a defensive line that is losing several key contributors, including fellow defensive tackle Darold DeNgohe, the Scarlet Knights needed multiple transfers to shape the front in 2026. Rutgers will see Doug Blue-Eli return to the interior after a season-ending injury derailed his season before it got started, and Farrell Gnago seems destined to start after showing flashes of brilliance in key moments last season.
Lee may not be the only defensive tackle headed to Piscataway, as Rutgers may acquire one more before the portal window closes. He has two years of eligibility remaining, although he is eligible for a redshirt year if the Scarlet Knights decide to utilize it.
To support me and my work, please follow @arnavsarkar100 on X!
Category: General Sports
