Rutgers basketball recruiting continues as the staff is looking for its first commit in the class of 2025. There are a variety of targets with RU offers, many of whom are nationally-ranked recruits.
With the updated 247Sports rankings coming out for the class of 2025, here is a look at which prospects Rutgers is going after.
1. AJ Dybantsa – Utah Prep (Farmington, Utah)
Rutgers recently got into the mix for Dybantsa and there is plenty of company as he is viewed as the undisputed No.1 prospect. He is also considered a generational talent. Rutgers landed the No.2 (Ace Bailey) and No.3 (Dylan Harper) in the 2024 class so it might not be a stretch to be in it for Dybantsa. However, the staff had been on Bailey and Harper for a long time and arriving a little later in the Dybantsa sweepstakes leaves the staff with a lot of hills to climb.
4. Darius Acuff – IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.)
Rutgers has a tie in this one with Acuff’s cousin, Tyson, having transferred to Rutgers this year from Eastern Michigan. Rutgers has been in this race for a while but there are some other heavy hitters making progress. Arkansas and Kansas are both making strong pushes for Acuff who is considered an elite point guard. Having an Aciuff on the roster could be a bonus and used to Rutgers advantage, especially if it turns out to be a banner year for the Scarlet Knights.
17. Trey McKenney – St. Mary’s (Flint, Mich.)
The four-star combo guard has already taken an official visit to Rutgers and while the Scarlet Knights remain in good standing, there still seems to be work to do here. McKenney landed 36 offers and Rutgers will have to beat out a lot of schools, including Kentucky, in what has been a very busy recruitment. Don’t expect Pikiell and company to bow out as Rutgers has made some ground in what is more of a marathon and not a sprint.
18. Darius Adams – La Lumiere School (La Porte, Ind.)
Adams is a native of Manasquan, N.J., but playing in the Midwest has not helped Rutgers’ cause. He has visited some Midwest schools and there seems to be a gap there which Rutgers would need to close. At this point, it does not look like Rutgers will stay in the running.
67. Brady Koehler – Cathedral (Indianapolis, Ind.)
Rutgers assistant coach Marlon Williamson is using his Midwest ties as the former Central Michigan assistant is familiar with these recruiting grounds. Rutgers identified Koehler at EYBL and that is when contact was initiated and an offer extended. Others followed as Koehler is up to 19 offers. This is a recruitment that is just really getting going but Rutgers should be able to get Koeheler on campus and make a run at him.
72. Keyshuan Tillery – New Hampton (N.H.)
Rutgers offered Tillery prior to his debut in the rankings this week but other schools have also taken notice. He continues to field offers from major programs as it looks to be a level playing field right now. The coming months will be big as Tillery is a new four-star who is expected to start making his rounds when it comes to visits.\
85. Nigel James – Long Island Lutheran (Glen Head, N.Y.)
Rutgers is in the top four for the standout point guard, along with Georgia, Georgia Tech and Marquette. This is one to keep an eye on as the staff has made arguably the most progress with James among all its top 100 targets. The staff continues to maintain frequent contact with James, who is close with RU freshman Dylan Harper. James’ recruitment does not appear to be ending soon, but Rutgers remains in a good spot. Proximity is also working to Rutgers’ advantage.
94. Jaylen Harrell – Cambridge Arts, Technology and Science (Braintree, Mass.)
Rutgers has been on Harrell for a while and is among his top schools, but still has work to do breaking into the top two. Harrell delayed his commitment and since then has been garnering even more interest. Being on the outside looking in ostensibly lewd to new offers going out for Rutgers. However, in the volatile world of recruiting, it’s not likely that Rutgers drops out of the running here.
