Nick Collins, a junior on the No. 13 Rutgers men’s soccer team, has been named the Big Ten Defender of the Week. This is the first time Collins has received this honor in his career and marks the third weekly conference award for Rutgers this season. Previously, Joschi Schelb was recognized as Co-Offensive Big Ten Player of the Week on September 2, and Ciaran Dalton was named Goalkeeper of the Week on September 16.
Collins is the first Scarlet Knight to earn the defensive honor since Joey Zalinsky on August 27, 2024. In a recent match, Collins contributed to Rutgers’ 4-2 victory over Wisconsin by scoring the game-winning goal with a header off a corner kick from Schelb. This goal was Collins’s second of the season and third in his collegiate career. He currently ranks fifth on the team with six total points.
The Mount Olive, New Jersey native has started all 12 games for Rutgers this season and has logged the second most minutes on the team with 1,069, trailing only Ciaran Dalton. Collins has played a key role in Rutgers’ five shutouts this season, anchoring the defense.
Looking ahead, Rutgers will host No. 22 Washington on Friday, October 17 at 7 p.m. for Letterwinner Night. The event is part of Homecoming weekend, and the Rutgers Boardwalk will be open from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Activities for fans and families include carnival games, an inflatable Halloween obstacle course, a haunted house slide, themed decorations, and live music by Owls & Lions. Multiple giveaways are planned during the game.
Fans are encouraged to follow Rutgers men’s soccer on social media for updates and additional information.
