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Rutgers University holds a unique place in the history of college football as the site of the first intercollegiate game, played against Princeton on November 6, 1869. Since that historic day, the Scarlet Knights have produced a roster of exceptional talent, spanning over 150 years of competition.

While Rutgers may not boast the same national championship pedigree as some powerhouse programs, its football legacy is rich with players who left an indelible mark on the field—both in Piscataway and beyond, including standout careers in the NFL. This article explores the best Rutgers football players of all time, celebrating their contributions to the program and their enduring legacies.

Paul Robeson (1915-1919)

Paul Robeson’s inclusion on this list transcends football. A true Renaissance man, Robeson was an All-American player, a renowned actor, singer, and civil rights activist. As one of the first African-American students at Rutgers, he faced significant adversity but excelled as a two-way standout in the single-wing era. Playing as an end (a precursor to modern tight ends and receivers), Robeson earned first-team All-American honors in 1917 and 1918—the only Rutgers player to achieve this consecutively. His 32 career touchdowns rank second in program history, and his 13 interceptions showcase his defensive prowess.

Robeson’s impact off the field was equally profound. A class valedictorian, he used his platform to advocate for equality, leaving a legacy that resonates far beyond Rutgers Stadium. His versatility and courage make him not only one of the best Scarlet Knights but also one of the most influential figures in college football history.

Brian Leonard (2003-2006)

Brian Leonard embodied the grit and selflessness that defined Rutgers’ rise in the mid-2000s. A versatile fullback-halfback hybrid, Leonard was a key figure in the program’s rebuilding years under Schiano. Finishing his career with 2,775 rushing yards (fourth all-time at Rutgers) and 32 rushing touchdowns, Leonard also added 1,864 receiving yards, showcasing his all-purpose ability. His signature moments—like the catch-and-run that set up a game-winning field goal against Louisville in 2006—remain etched in Scarlet Knights lore.

What sets Leonard apart is his willingness to step aside when Ray Rice emerged, transitioning to a supporting role to benefit the team. His toughness, leadership, and clutch performances earned him a special place in Rutgers history, followed by a solid seven-year NFL career.

Marco Battaglia (1992-1995)

Marco Battaglia redefined the tight end position at Rutgers. By his senior year in 1995, he was a consensus first-team All-American and widely regarded as the nation’s top tight end. That season, he recorded 69 catches for 894 yards and 10 touchdowns—an extraordinary stat line for the era. Battaglia finished his career with a school-record 171 receptions and 2,221 yards (second all-time), including a program-best seven 100-yard receiving games.

Battaglia’s success translated to the NFL, where he played eight seasons and won a Super Bowl with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2003. His contributions to Rutgers are so revered that the program named its practice fields after him, a fitting tribute to a Scarlet Knights legend.

Devin McCourty (2005-2009)

Devin McCourty’s tenure at Rutgers laid the foundation for a remarkable NFL career. A standout safety and cornerback, McCourty was a key part of the 2006 team that started 9-0 and brought national attention to Piscataway. His speed, instincts, and tackling ability made him a defensive anchor, finishing with 149 tackles and six interceptions over his college career. In 2009, he earned first-team All-Big East honors, cementing his status as a top prospect.

Drafted 27th overall by the New England Patriots in 2010, McCourty became a three-time Super Bowl champion, two-time Pro Bowler, and one of the NFL’s premier defensive backs. His 34 career interceptions (as of early 2025) highlight his longevity and excellence, making him one of Rutgers’ most successful NFL exports.

Alex Kroll (1961)

Alex Kroll’s journey to Rutgers stardom was unconventional. After two years at Yale and a stint in the Army, he transferred to Rutgers and became an AP first-team All-American center in 1961. At 6-foot-2 and 228 pounds, Kroll was a dominant force on the offensive line, helping lead the Scarlet Knights to an undefeated season that year. His versatility—he also played linebacker—earned him a spot in the College Football Hall of Fame.

Kroll’s leadership and physicality epitomized Rutgers’ “Golden Era” post-World War II. His legacy as a lineman who could dominate both sides of the ball places him among the program’s elite.

Homer Hazel (1916; 1923-1924)

Homer Hazel’s versatility made him a standout in Rutgers’ early years. A College Football Hall of Famer, Hazel earned first-team All-American honors as an end in 1923 and as a fullback in 1924—the first player to achieve this at two positions. His 1924 season included school records for PATs and longest completion, and he lettered in four sports: football, basketball, baseball, and track.

Hazel’s multi-sport excellence and on-field dominance earned him lasting recognition, with the Rutgers team MVP award named in his honor. He remains a symbol of the program’s pioneering spirit.

Deron Cherry (1977-1980)

Deron Cherry’s path from Rutgers to NFL stardom is a testament to his talent and resilience. A safety and punter for the Scarlet Knights, Cherry set school records for career punts and punt yardage while earning All-East honors in 1980. Undrafted, he signed with the Kansas City Chiefs and became one of the league’s best free safeties, recording 50 interceptions—among the top 38 in NFL history—and earning six Pro Bowl nods.

Cherry’s ball-hawking ability and punting prowess at Rutgers foreshadowed his professional success, making him a standout in the program’s history.

Bill Austin (1956-1958)

Bill Austin’s diminutive size (5-foot-11, 170 pounds) belied his immense impact. A running back with exceptional speed and elusiveness, Austin racked up 2,073 rushing yards and 204 points, finishing sixth in Heisman Trophy voting in 1958. His ability to break games open made him a star in an era when Rutgers football was gaining traction.

Austin’s blend of agility and scoring prowess marks him as one of the program’s early greats, a precursor to the modern stars who followed.

Kenny Britt (2006-2008)

Kenny Britt brought explosive playmaking to Rutgers’ receiving corps. The program’s all-time leader in receiving yards (3,043), Britt was a deep threat who helped fuel the Scarlet Knights’ late-2000s resurgence. His 178 receptions and 17 touchdowns rank among the best in school history, and his dominance earned him first-team All-Big East honors in 2008.

Britt’s nine-year NFL career, including a 1,000-yard season with the Tennessee Titans, underscores his status as one of Rutgers’ top offensive talents.

Ray Rice (2005-2007)

Few players in Rutgers history have had the transformative impact of Ray Rice. A dynamic running back, Rice arrived in 2005 and quickly became the cornerstone of the Scarlet Knights’ resurgence under head coach Greg Schiano. His blend of speed, power, and vision made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. In 2006, Rice set a Big East and Rutgers single-season record with 1,794 rushing yards, finishing fifth nationally in scoring and earning a slew of accolades, including All-Big East honors. His 2007 campaign was even more impressive, as he eclipsed 2,000 yards—a feat that remains one of the most remarkable in school history—before declaring for the NFL Draft.

Rice’s legacy at Rutgers extends beyond statistics. His arrival signaled the program’s ambition, and his performances—most notably in the 2006 upset of No. 3 Louisville—elevated Rutgers to national prominence. In the NFL, Rice became a three-time Pro Bowler with the Baltimore Ravens and won a Super Bowl, cementing his status as one of the program’s all-time greats. Despite his career being cut short by off-field issues, Rice’s on-field brilliance at Rutgers remains untouchable.

Honorable Mentions

• Mike Teel (2005-2008): Rutgers’ most accomplished quarterback, leading the team to three bowl wins.

• Shaun O’Hara (1996-1999): A walk-on who became a three-time Pro Bowl center for the New York Giants.

• J.J. Jennings (1971-1973): A dynamic runner whose records Rice later broke.

From pioneers like Paul Robeson and Homer Hazel to modern stars like Ray Rice and Devin McCourty, Rutgers football has produced an impressive lineage of talent. These players not only excelled on the field but also elevated the program’s profile, leaving legacies that continue to inspire Scarlet Knights fans. As Rutgers looks to build on its storied past, these icons serve as a reminder of the program’s potential—and its enduring place in college football history.