Rutgers Transfer Portal Losses: 3 impact players Greg Schiano lost during winter window ft. Chris Long

Few teams suffered as sudden a transformation as the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. The program for New Jersey saw 13 players enter the transfer portal in less than 24 hours, and none since.

The good news for Rutgers fans is that most of them were depth players. While the sudden exodus is surprising, no starters are leaving the program, and only a total of 18 players entered the portal.

Most of the transfers were on defense, as defensive coordinator Joe Harasymiak left the school to become the head coach at UMass. Edge rusher David Onuoha and linebacker Timmy Hinspeter transferred to Amherst as a result.

In the meantime, the Scarlet Knights have secured 10 transfer commitments. Despite the losses, Greg Schiano got more experienced players on the roster for 2025.

Among the players coming in, Schiano will be looking for a couple of former James Madison defensive linemen, Eric O’Neil and Darold DeNgohe to strengthen the unit. Former North Texas wideout DT Sheffield and former Charlotte tight end Colin Weber could also contribute early for the Knights.

Here are three players that Rutgers could miss in 2025.

3 impact players Rutgers lost in the transfer portal

Former walk-on David Onuoha is transferring to UMass. - Source: Imagn

#3. David Onuoha, Defensive End

The former walk-on had worked his way into the playing field, at least sparingly. Onuoha, an Aberdeen, New Jersey native, registered only two tackles and one sack this season.

The junior defensive end wasn’t expected to see substantial playing time to start the season, but he offered depth at the position. He will join Harasymiak at UMass, as the program plays its first season in the Mid-American Conference.

#2. Timmy Hinspeter, Linebacker

Timmy Hinspeter was second on the depth chart at middle linebacker for the Scarlet Knights in 2024. He finished the season with 16 tackles and added solid depth at the position.

At UMass, the Don Bosco product should see increased playing time following his former defensive coordinator to a new school. Hinspeter has two years of eligibility left.

#1. Chris Long, Wide Receiver

After three injury-riddled seasons at Rutgers, Chris Long is moving to upstate New York, committing to the Syracuse Orange. Long started seven games in 2024 but didn’t play since late October, registering 11 catches for 163 yards and a touchdown.

In three years with the Scarlet Knights, the Willingboro, New Jersey native totaled 28 receptions for 391 yards and two scores. He missed most of the 2023 season with an injury.

Long will finish his career with the Orange, as he has only one more year of eligibility remaining.