Rutgers star WR KJ Duff undergoes season-ending high-ankle surgery

Rutgers star WR KJ Duff underwent season-ending high-ankle surgery, per On3’s Pete Nakos. Duff went into the season as a potential first-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft. Duff finished his season (8 games) with 45 catches for 774 yards, nine touchdowns (career-high) and 17.2 yards per catch. All told (33 games over three years), Duff had 132 catches, 2,283 yards, 17 touchdowns and 17.3 yards per catch for the Scarlet Knights. $39.99 gets you a FULL year of On3 | Rivals national coverage As a member of the Class of 2024, Duff was a four-star recruit out of Riverhead (N.Y.) St. Anthony’s, according to the Rivals Industry Ranking. He was the No. 1 overall prospect in the state, the No. 18 wide receiver in the class and the No. 273 overall prospect in the class. Rutgers will host Nebraska on Saturday at 12:30 p.m. ET. At 2-7, the Scarlet Knights’ bowl game hopes are over for the second consecutive season under Greg Schiano, who will return in 2027, per AD Keli Zinn. Rutgers WR KJ Duff out for season Schiano’s return next season comes amid a brutal year for Rutgers. Not only did stars like Duff get hurt this year, the Scarlet Knights struggled out of the gate with a shocking loss to UMass and never recovered. After going 5-7 last year following two straight bowl appearances, Schiano and squad hit a new low in 2026. If the school had hired him this year, he’d be owed around $18.6 million in buyout money. “Our 2026 football season has fallen well below our expectations and has understandably led to frustration from our passionate fans and supporters,” Zinn said in a statement. “As your Director of Athletics and as a competitor at heart, I feel those same emotions. Our results are not acceptable for the expectations we have for our football program and for the athletics program we are building. “However, I also have an obligation to make decisions that serve the best long-term interests of Rutgers University. There are several factors that go into decisions regarding the hiring and retention of head coaches in all of our sports, especially football and basketball. After weighing all factors, and consulting with University leadership, Head Coach Greg Schiano will be returning in 2027. Let me be very clear: this decision is not reflective of a lowering of standards or an indication that everything is fine. It is not.” Schiano holds a career record of 101-115 with Rutgers over the course of 18 seasons (two stints). He originally coached in Piscataway from 2001-11 before leaving for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he lasted just two seasons. Schiano was the Ohio State defensive coordinator from 2016-18 under Urban Meyer before nearly going back to the NFL with the New England Patriots. During that time, Schiano was in line to become the Tennessee head coach going into the 2018 season before fan revolt ultimately denied the move. Fan outrage cited Schiano’s time at Penn State under Joe Paterno in relation to the Jerry Sandusky scandal, of which there was no evidenced connection to Schiano, as reason to not hire him. While he was in line to be Bill Belichick’s defensive coordinator in New England, Schiano eventually backed out, citing his family. Then, Rutgers brought him back ahead of the 2020 season following the firing of Chris Ash.