Rutgers Scarlet Knights - 2022 College Football Season Preview & Wins Total Prediction

Last season the Rutgers Scarlet Knights were 5-8 overall and 2-7 in the Big Ten. Rutgers has been given a projected wins total by odds makers of 4.5. Rutgers will have 10 starters on the offense and six from the defense that are either recruits or transfers. Nevertheless, expectations are high at Rutgers thanks to Gavin Wimsatt, the quarterback of the future for the Scarlet Knights.

Last season Rutgers was 120th in scoring and total offense but have added new pieces to the puzzle and should be much stronger in 2022. Wimsatt played last season in just four games as a true freshman including several snaps  in Rutgers’ bowl game and is expected to start under center, although Noah Vedral could share playing time with Wimsatt. The offensive line will consist of young players as Rutgers signed seven lineman out of high school and used the transferal portal for signing four experienced lineman.

The leading running backs will be Kyle Monangai and Aaron Young. Last season Monangai rushed for 235 yards and four touchdowns, while Young rushed for 205 yards and five touchdowns. Transfer receivers Taj Harris from Syracuse and Sean Ryan from West Virginia will play alongside speedy Aron Cruickshank who missed last season with a torn ACL. The top tight end is expected to be converted quarterback Johnny Langan who caught 18 passes for 177 yards last season.

Last season the Rutgers defense was not strong as the Scarlet Knights were 10th or lower in four major defensive categories in conference play. However, big plays by the defense helped Rutgers win each of its three games versus Power 5 schools last season. Defensive end Aaron Lewis will cause problems for opposing quarterbacks, while Kyonte Hamilton is versatile enough to play both inside or outside. Ifeanyi Maijeh and Mayan Ahanotu are two talented tackles.

The linebacker corps will be very young and with little depth this season. Tyreem Powell is the most experienced returnee but started only three games last season. Moses Walker was lost for the season in spring practice with an ACL tear and Mohamed Toure will also be out the entire season. Rutgers has a strong secondary led by returning starting cornerbacks Max Melton and Kessawn Abraham. Avery Young played safety last season and made 81 tackles and will be joined by Desmond Igbinosun and Christian Izien.