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Five Rutgers Players Michigan Fans Should Know Ahead Of Saturday's Matchup
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- Five Rutgers Players Michigan Fans Should Know Ahead Of Saturday's Matchup
(IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Michigan will look to get back in the win column Saturday when the Wolverines travel to Piscataway to take on Rutgers in another Big Ten matchup.
The Scarlet Knights have some talented players on both sides of the football, but injuries have created significant questions heading into the weekend. Starting quarterback Sean Lonergan is out, while star wide receiver KJ Duff is listed as doubtful.
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Here are five Rutgers players Michigan fans should know heading into Saturday's contest.
1. AJ Surace/Sean Ashenfelder — Quarterback
With starting quarterback Dylan Lonergan ruled out due to injury, Rutgers enters Saturday's matchup with uncertainty surrounding the most important position on the field.
Junior AJ Surace appears to be the more experienced option, having completed 40 of 71 passes (56.3 percent) for 539 yards, six touchdowns and five interceptions this season.
Surace struggled against Northwestern last weekend, completing just seven of 18 passes for 64 yards and an interception.
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Sophomore Sean Ashenfelder is another possibility, although he's attempted just 10 passes this season, completing three for 50 yards with one interception.
For defensive coordinator Jay Hill , the priority will be making whichever quarterback starts uncomfortable early, generating pressure and forcing mistakes.
2. KJ Duff — Wide Receiver
Junior wide receiver KJ Duff is unquestionably Rutgers' most dangerous offensive weapon and one of the most productive pass catchers in the entire country. He's listed as doubtful but he's still on this list because he's just that good.
Through seven games, Duff has hauled in 45 receptions for 774 yards and nine touchdowns, averaging an impressive 17.2 yards per catch and 110.6 receiving yards per contest.
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Those numbers put him among the nation's elite receivers, making his availability a major storyline heading into Saturday.
Unfortunately for Rutgers, Duff is listed as doubtful, which would represent a massive blow to an offense already dealing with uncertainty at quarterback.
If he plays, Michigan's secondary, most specifically Jyaire Hill , will need to make limiting his explosive plays a top priority.
3. Bradlee Jones — Defensive Back
Senior defensive back Bradlee Jones has been one of the more productive members of the Rutgers secondary this season.
Through seven games, Jones has recorded 34 total tackles, including 19 solo stops and 15 assisted tackles. He's averaging 4.9 tackles per game, making him one of the Scarlet Knights' leading tacklers. He also leads the team with two interceptions.
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Jones will be an important piece of a Rutgers defense tasked with slowing down Michigan's offense, particularly if the Wolverines can establish their rushing attack.
His ability to come downhill, tackle in space and provide support against the run could be especially important Saturday.
4. Antwan Raymond — Running Back
Junior running back Antwan Raymond has been one of Rutgers' most productive offensive players this season and could be particularly important with the Scarlet Knights dealing with quarterback uncertainty.
Through seven games, Raymond has carried the football 123 times for 648 yards and six touchdowns, averaging an impressive 5.3 yards per attempt.
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He's also contributed in the passing game, catching 13 passes for 128 yards and another touchdown.
Raymond is averaging 92.6 rushing yards per contest, making him a legitimate threat to Michigan's defense.
If Rutgers hopes to protect its inexperienced quarterback, establishing Raymond and the running game will be critical.
5. Sean Allison — Linebacker
Senior linebacker Sean Allison has an interesting background, having joined Rutgers as a graduate transfer from Drake University ahead of the 2026 season.
The 6-0, 235-pound linebacker was named the Pioneer Football League Defensive Player of the Year in 2025 after recording 126 tackles and two interceptions. He was also a Buck Buchanan Award finalist and earned Third-Team FCS All-America honors.
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Despite being a newcomer, Allison was immediately elected a Rutgers team captain, demonstrating his leadership and familiarity with the defensive system.
Through seven games this season, Allison has recorded 31 total tackles, including 16 solo stops.
His experience and understanding of the defense make him an important player for Rutgers, particularly against a Michigan team looking to establish a more physical rushing attack.
