Nine Rutgers football players have been named to the Shrine Bowl 1000, a list highlighting the top 1,000 all-star game eligible players across NCAA divisions and NAIA. This recognition provides an early view for scouts ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Scarlet Knights named are running back CJ Campbell Jr., linebacker Dariel Djabome, offensive lineman Bryan Felter, quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis, defensive back Bo Mascoe, defensive linemen Eric O’Neill and Bradley Weaver, wide receiver DT Sheffield, and offensive lineman Gus Zilinskas.
Rutgers had nine NFL signees this offseason. Among them were Robert Longerbeam (Ravens), Kyonte Hamilton (Texans), and Kyle Monangai (Bears), who were selected in the draft.
The team is preparing for its upcoming season opener against Ohio on August 28 at SHI Stadium. This year marks the first time since 2007 that Rutgers will begin with four consecutive home games.
Season and single-game tickets are available through ScarletKnights.com/tickets or by calling 866-445-GORU (4678). Season ticket holders receive benefits such as exclusive parking options near SHI Stadium, special pricing, payment plans, early access to tickets, and other offers throughout the year. Purchasing season tickets supports student-athletes directly. More details can be found at Rutgers Football Ticket Central.
CJ Campbell Jr. is entering his first season with Rutgers after being named Third Team All-American Athletic Conference at FAU last year. He rushed for 844 yards and scored 11 touchdowns in addition to recording 40 receptions for 466 yards.
Dariel Djabome was an All-Big Ten Third Team selection in his first season as a starter. He ranked fifth in the Big Ten with an average of 8.1 tackles per game during the previous season and totaled 105 tackles overall.
Bryan Felter has played in 44 games over six seasons with Rutgers and started on an offensive line recognized by the Joe Moore Award Midseason Honor Roll last year.
Athan Kaliakmanis returns for his second season after starting all games last year as quarterback. He completed passes totaling nearly 2,700 yards and led an offense that averaged its highest points per game since joining the Big Ten.
Bo Mascoe played all games last season at cornerback with four starts. He recorded one interception against Michigan State along with five pass breakups.
Eric O’Neill joins Rutgers after three consecutive years of earning first-team all-conference honors elsewhere. Last year he was named to the Lott IMPACT Trophy watch list following a standout performance at James Madison University.
DT Sheffield comes from North Texas where he earned honorable mention All-America status while leading his conference in touchdown receptions last year.
Bradley Weaver transferred from Ohio after being named First Team All-MAC last season; he was also recognized as Defensive Player of the Game during Ohio’s MAC Championship win over Miami (Ohio).
Gus Zilinskas has started most games over three seasons at center for Rutgers’ offensive line which contributed to improved scoring numbers last year compared to previous seasons.
Rutgers finished their most recent campaign with a second straight winning record and set a program-high points-per-game mark since joining their current conference affiliation.
