Rutgers Scarlet Knights coach Greg Schiano - Vincent Carchietta/USA TODAY Sports
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights will take on the Michigan Wolverines on Saturday, Oct. 31. In an already tough matchup, the Scarlet Knights could be without their star player, wide receiver KJ Duff.
KJ Duff Injury Update
According to the initial injury report from the Big Ten, Duff is listed as doubtful against the Michigan Wolverines. It is an undisclosed injury, and Rutgers is now expected to be without its star wide receiver.
KJ Duff Shines on Rutgers Offense
In his third year with the program, Duff continues to be a highlight of the Rutgers offense. The matchup against Michigan would be the first game Duff misses, not just this season, but in his three years with the program.
Despite offensive struggles this season, Duff has recorded 45 receptions for 774 yards and nine touchdowns. In four of the seven games this season, he has recorded over 100 receiving yards. He recorded multiple touchdown receptions in three games. In Week 1 against UMass, Duff recorded three touchdowns, his most in a game this season.
KJ Duff’s Collegiate Career
Duff joined the Rutgers Scarlet Knights as a four-star prospect from the 2024 recruiting class. He was the No. 1 prospect from New York, per the Rivals Industry Rankings, and has proven to be a major pickup for the Scarlet Knights.
In his true freshman season, Duff appeared in all 13 games, starting in four. He recorded 27 receptions for 425 yards and one touchdown.
Just one year later, Duff stepped up, making the Biletnikoff Award watch list. He finished the season with 60 receptions for 1,084 yards and seven touchdowns.
Following the 2025 season, Duff was a player to watch to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal. Duff likely would have drawn interest from several top schools across the country, but he chose to stay with the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. He is on pace to surpass his 2025 receiving yards and has already scored more touchdowns.
Despite Rutgers’ 2-5 record, Duff could be one of the top wide receivers selected in the 2027 NFL Draft, if he chooses to declare.
Other Key Rutgers Injury Update vs. Michigan
Duff is not the only player on the injury report heading into the Scarlet Knights game against the Wolverines.
Rutgers quarterback Dylan Lonergan has been ruled out due to a head injury. Lonergan sustained the injury in the team’s loss against the No. 20 Northwestern Wildcats. This is the third time this season the quarterback will miss time due to a head injury.
Quarterback AJ Surace has been the team’s backup and has started in Lonergan’s place. He has gone 40-of-71 for 539 yards and six touchdowns this season.
Also on the roster is quarterback Sean Ashenfelder. Ashenfelder has had just 10 passing attempts this season, completing three for 50 yards.
Rutgers Injury Report:
Out:
- Kaj Sanders – DB
- Zahmir Dawud – DB
- Dylan Lonergan – QB
Doubtful:
- KJ Duff – WR
- Tyler Needham – OL
Questionable:
- Kevin Levy – DB
- Ty Morris – LB
- Keshon Griffin – DL
Michigan Injury Report:
Out:
- Kendrick Bell – WR
- Braydon Alford – WR
- Micah Ka’apana – RB
- Julius Holly – DE
- Ace Hamilton – OL
- Andrew Sprague – OL
Questionable:
- Rod Moore Jr. – S
- Jordan Young – S
- Dom Nichols – DE
- Enow Etta – DT
- Blake Frazier – OL
- John Henry Daley – DE
Probable:
- Troy Bowles – LB
- Jake Guarnera – OL
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights and Michigan Wolverines will kick off at 12:30 pm ET on Saturday, Oct. 31. The game broadcast will be on Big Ten Network.
