Rutgers Scarlet Knights RB Kyle Monangai (5) – Noah K. Murray/AP Photo
With the college football season officially here, there are a couple of Rutgers players who should have a big year. Some of these players have already made a name for themselves, and one is new to the Scarlet Knights. This could be a big year for Rutgers, and these three players will be a big reason for more wins. Here is a look at the three Rutgers players to watch in 2024.
Tyreem Powell
Linebacker Tyreem Powell is one of the three Rutgers players to watch throughout the 2024 season. Powell was a big part of the 2023 season for Rutgers. He was a dominant force and a hard hitter. Unfortunately, Powell’s season ended early in 2023 due to an injury during the second half of the season. Now, he is back and ready to help lead this defense. With fellow linebacker Mohamed Toure out for the season, Powell will need to step up even more on the field. Powell is also a team captain this year.
Powell has been with the team since 2020, though he did not see any game action and was red-shirted in his first year. In the previous three years of game action, Powell has had 144 total tackles, 69 solo, eight tackles for loss, and five sacks, according to Sports Reference. He has also had one forced fumble, one interception, and one fumble recovery. Powell played in just eight games in 2023 before being ruled out for the season. In that year, he had 53 combined tackles, 25 solo, two tackles for loss, and two sacks, He also forced one fumble. Powell is currently fully healthy and it will be big to have him back.
Powell will also likely be a big name to watch in regards to the 2025 NFL Draft as well. Between a return from injury, stepping up without Toure, and likely preparing for the draft, this should be a big year for Powell.
Kyle Monangai
Running back Kyle Monangai is another one of the three Rutgers players to watch this year. Since Monangai began playing with Rutgers, he has been a beast on the field. He has been the highlight of the Scarlet Knights’ offense. Monangai is heading into his fifth year with the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. Only playing in five games in 2020, he has quickly grown into a dominant player.
In his previous four years with the team, Monangai has rushed the ball 413 times for 1,943 yards and 14 touchdowns, according to Sports Reference. He has also had 24 receptions for 177 yards. In 2023 Monangai rushed the ball for 1,262 yards and eight touchdowns. He also had eight receptions for 78 yards. Even with a new quarterback, Rutgers will likely be a run-first team and go through Monangai. Hopefully, the passing game can break up the run game, in the end helping Mongangai by throwing off opposing defenses.
Monangai heading into year five will be a name to watch when it comes to draft prospects. He can be one of the top running backs to go in the 2025 NFL Draft. Hopefully, he has a big season and comes out healthy. This makes Monangai a major player to watch this year.
Athan Kaliakmanis
The final of the three Rutgers players to watch this year is quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis. Rutgers gained Kaliakmanis in the transfer portal following the 2023 season. Kaliakmanis spent 2021-2023 playing for the Minnesota Golden Gophers. He did not see game action in his first year, but over the past two seasons, his playing time increased.
In two seasons of playing with Minnesota, Kaliakmanis completed 216 passes for 2,784 yards and 17 touchdowns, according to Sports Reference. In 2023, he completed 156 passes for 1,838 yards and 14 touchdowns. There was a big increase in completions and pass attempts in 2023 compared to 2022. Now, it is time to see what he can do with the Scarlet Knights.
Getting a new quarterback is always exciting and full of anticipation. Former Rutgers quarterback, Gavin Wimsatt had a high ceiling. Now it is onto Kaliakmanis as he looks to help lead his team to more wins this year. Kaliakmanis is also a captain this year. Rutgers ended up winning six games last year, plus one winning the Pinstripe Bowl. The team will now be looking to do even better than that. Watch for Kaliakmanis to lead this team to a winning record in 2024.
Why These Rutgers Players?
All three of these players have a unique quality to them that makes them stand out. Powell is returning from a season-ending injury, Kaliakmanis is set to step up as the team’s new quarterback, and Monangai is the star of this offense who is also getting ready for the NFL Draft. All three of these Rutgers players are also captains, making them leaders of this team.
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights will face the Howard Bison this Thursday to kick off their 2024 season.
