Rutgers Football Spring Practice: Key Takeaways and Updates

After a busy offseason filled with transfer additions and coaching changes, Rutgers football completed its first week of spring practice. Starting last week, Rutgers football is scheduled for 15 practice sessions leading up to the Scarlet-White Game on April 26. Head coach Greg Schiano, offensive coordinator Kirk Ciarrocca, and new defensive coordinators Robb Smith and Zach Sparber will get to work to fill players for various open positions.

It’s been a busy offseason for Schiano and Rutgers football, as the Scarlet Knights have found success in the transfer portal. Throughout the week, many eyes were focused on offensive positions and how RU can find replacements for these positions. 

Rutgers Football Spring Practices: Key Storylines

• • How can Rutgers football replace left tackle Hollin Pierce?
  • Can wide receiver Ian Strong recover from offseason surgery?  
  • With a crowded running back room, can Rutgers find a successor for Kyle Monangai?   

Rutgers football: Key Positions to Watch

How can Rutgers football replace LT Hollin Pierce?

With Hollin Pierce declaring for the 2025 NFL draft, Rutgers will search for his replacement throughout the spring football practice sessions. Pierce went from a walk-on to an anchor on the offensive line at left tackle. He played in 52 total games, starting 50 for the Scarlet Knights. The 6-foot-8 offensive lineman received Honorable Mention and Second-Team All-Big Ten honors in 2023 and 2024. With the NFL Draft approaching, Pierce should be drafted as he developed into one of the top linemen in the Big Ten.

Replacing him won’t be easy for Rutgers, but that’s the challenge for Schiano and offensive line coach Pat Flaherty to figure out. During a press conference on Monday, Schiano provided his initial plan to fill the vacant position.

Schiano stated, “Tyler Needham, who started nine games at right tackle last season, was working on the left side for the first practice.” Also, he stated his staff will try shuffling linemen around to develop depth at the position.

Can wide receiver Ian Strong recover from offseason surgery?

Rutgers has multiple players recovering from injuries, but all eyes are on wide receiver Ian Strong. Strong, who was second on the team last season with 676 receiving yards and led the team with five touchdown catches, had surgery after the season and will be limited in spring practices.

According to Schiano, Strong is working hard to be at full strength starting the season. Schiano stated, “He’s working like crazy in the meeting room and his conditioning, the stuff he can do.”

Strong is part of a wide receiving corps with young talent, including Ben Black, KJ Duff, and Famah Toure. Also, Rutgers brought in North Texas transfer DT Sheffield to help replace Dymere Miller, who led the team in 2024 with 757 receiving yards. Even with Sheffield and Rutgers’ talented wide receiver, Strong is a major piece to the offense. Having Strong fully healthy for the start of the season will be crucial for RU’s success.

Which Scarlet Knight will be Kyle Monangai’s successor?

Running back is a position of strength with plenty of depth to replace Monangai. Antwan Raymond and Ja’shon Benjamin saw action in the Rate Bowl, and now Rutgers welcomes CJ Campbell Jr. from Florida Atlantic University. Campbell adds veteran experience while rushing for 844 yards with 11 touchdowns this past season. He also added 40 receptions for 466 yards and three touchdowns. Campbell’s expertise and pass-catching ability will add a needed dynamic out of the backfield heading into the 2025-26 season.

Heading into spring practices, the Scarlet Knights have four running backs on the roster, with Campbell, Raymond, Benjamin, and Brown leading the group. Each of these running backs has experienced and seen action throughout their collegiate career, but which one will Schiano lean on to control the tempo on offense?

Monangai won’t be an easy player to replace in the Rutgers’ offense. The running back had more than 1,000 rushing yards each of the last two seasons. Like Pierce, Monangai is likely to be drafted. After a week of practices, it seems Schiano will fill the role by a committee. As time goes on, it will be interesting to see which running back will win the starting role.