Rutgers Star Wide Receiver KJ Duff Out After Ankle Surgery

Major Injury Blow for Rutgers

Rutgers wide receiver KJ Duff has undergone season ending high ankle surgery. The procedure was performed in Birmingham, Alabama, by foot and ankle specialist Dr. Norman Waldrop. Duff will miss the final three games of the season, but he is expected to resume full football activities in January.

The true junior is projected as a top draft prospect and could become a first round pick in the upcoming NFL draft. He ranks as the No. 18 overall prospect according to Mel Kiper Jr. If he chooses to declare, he would be the first Rutgers player selected in the first round since 2010.

Standout Production in a Tough Season

Duff has been a bright spot during a difficult 2-7 season for Rutgers. He currently ranks fifth in the Big Ten with 774 receiving yards. He has caught nine touchdown passes this year, including three against UMass along with two each against Boston College and Maryland. For his career, he has recorded 17 touchdowns.

Last season, Duff finished third in the Big Ten with 1,084 receiving yards, trailing only Jeremiah Smith and Makai Lemon.

The receiver is the second major Rutgers player to undergo season ending surgery recently. Offensive lineman Kwabena Asamoah also had surgery that ended his year. Asamoah earned second team All-American honors in 2025.

Looking Ahead for the Scarlet Knights

Rutgers faces a tough stretch to close out the year with games against Nebraska, Penn State, and Michigan State. Despite the team struggles, Rutgers announced earlier this week that head coach Greg Schiano will return for his 19th season next year.

What it means for the next game

Nebraska Cornhuskers at Rutgers Scarlet Knights (College Football, Sat, 14 Nov): Rutgers Scarlet Knights win 18%, Nebraska Cornhuskers win 82%; projected score Rutgers Scarlet Knights 20, Nebraska Cornhuskers 33. Our safest pick: Nebraska to win.

Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Penn State Nittany Lions (College Football, Sat, 21 Nov): Penn State Nittany Lions win 83%, Rutgers Scarlet Knights win 17%; projected score Penn State Nittany Lions 34, Rutgers Scarlet Knights 18. Our safest pick: Penn State to win.