Rutgers Basketball: Who Will Stay, Who Will Go
· Yahoo Sports
After Rutgers’ loss to UCLA last night in the Big Ten Tournament, the 2025-2026 Rutgers basketball season has more than likely come to an end unless something crazy happens with the myriad of postseason tournaments in the modern age of college basketball. With even that being unlikely, it is time to shift attention to the upcoming transfer portal, as several Scarlet Knights are deciding on whether they should stay or go. During a few interviews conducted by Brian Fonseca of NJ.com, some of the players had interesting answers when asked about their thoughts in relation to the transfer portal.
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Arguably, the two most important retention pieces for Rutgers next season are guards Tariq Francis and Lino Mark.
According to Fonseca, Francis emphatically answered yes when asked if he could see himself playing for Rutgers next year. When asked directly if he will return or not, he said that even though the game just ended, he is committed to Rutgers.
Mark had a similar response, saying that he absolutely anticipates returning next season.
Darren Buchanan Jr. also had some words indicating his intention to return.
“I definitely want to be here. Coach Pikiell recruited me back in the tenth grade, so I have a strong connection with him and his staff. I know they want the best for me, and I want the best for Rutgers. I see a bright future for Rutgers moving forward, so I definitely would love to return back and put on this jersey again.”
When asked about what their thoughts were on their future, Forwards Dylan Grant and Chris Nwuli, along with Guard Jamicheal Davis, did not provide a concrete answer like some of their other teammates.
“My concern is not with that right now.” -Jamicheal Davis
“When that time comes to make a decision, that’s when it comes. Right now, I’m just focused on uplifting our guys and just moving forward.”- Dylan Grant
It should also be noted that it sounds like center Emmanuel Ogbole will likely petition for a fifth season of eligibility due to his time spent at junior college, but it is unlikely that he will spend it on the banks, according to some verbage used by head coach Steve Pikiell.
Two players who did not make an official comment to Fonseca are guards Harun Zrno and Kaden Powers. Both are freshman who started the year struggling, but their development was clear over the course of the season. If they continue to develop, they can prove to be solid starters in this league. As of right now, both seem like they are going to return, with both having a role to play in what Rutgers will try to build in the transfer portal this offseason.
If all of those who are currently favored to return do actually end up coming back, the Knights will at least have something to build around, even if that building will take a lot of extra pieces. However, even with the solid core of returning players, next season will be largely dictated by who they pick up in the transfer portal and how well they gel with the team.