Youth Movement: Rutgers' Young Receivers Shine in Spring Game

Rutgers Football wrapped up its 2025 Spring Game with one clear storyline emerging: the youthful wide receiver corps is on the rise, and it’s injecting new energy into the Scarlet Knights’ offense.

Following the scrimmage, head coach Greg Schiano expressed both excitement and caution about the flashes shown by his young receivers.

"Well, I’m excited — I don’t want to ordain the three rookies as Hall of Fame caliber guys right away," Schiano said. "They’re working on getting better, and I like it. Another guy we left off, MJ3, he’s also doing very well. I’m excited about their youth and their performance, but we’ve got a lot of work to do this summer."

That blend of optimism and realism defines where Rutgers stands. With veterans like Ian Strong set to return from injury, Schiano sees the room gaining critical depth and competition heading into fall camp.

"It’ll be good to get Ian back — that’s been a void," Schiano noted. "I thought KJ (Kevin Johnson Jr.) had a great spring, worked hard to get himself improved considerably. Yeah, I do think we have a chance to have a really good receiver room."

The spring showcased the versatility of Rutgers’ receiver group, with young players making plays across different situations — slants, deep shots, contested catches. Freshman standout Malik Jefferson III (MJ3) turned heads with his route-running and physicality, earning praise from both coaches and teammates.

"When you have young guys that are getting better all the time, it raises the bottom of the room," Schiano said. "It’ll be great for everybody involved, including DBs who have to cover them all practice at training camp. Everything will rise with their caliber."

Teammates echoed that sentiment after the game. Senior quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis, who connected with multiple young receivers during the scrimmage, emphasized their work ethic and drive.

“I think everyone is just making a lot of progress,”Kaliakmanis stated. “The guys that were here having another year in the system, not just me, but the younger guys too. They’re all just taking that step, and everything is going in the right places, it’s just up to the players now.”

As Rutgers looks to take another step in the Big Ten, the progress of their young receiver room could be a game-changer. If the flashes from the spring game are any indication, the future on the banks of the Raritan is bright — and fast.