Five questions facing Rutgers football with Big Ten Media Days set to begin

It’s been a while since Rutgers football has started a season that’s been so highly anticipated as the one that’s about to begin.

There are plenty of reasons for that.

The Scarlet Knights are coming off their first winning season in 10 years . They return the Big Ten’s leading running back. The bulk of a stout defense is coming back. And Greg Schiano’s team will face a schedule that’s not quite as daunting with Ohio State, Michigan and Penn State not on the 2024 slate.

Simply put, Rutgers has made a lot of progress the last few seasons under Schiano.

That will be a big topic this week as the Scarlet Knights and the rest of the Big Ten take questions from reporters during the conference’s annual media days at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

For the first time, it’s a three-day event following the additions of Southern California, UCLA, Washington and Oregon.

Rutgers will face the media on Tuesday.

Here are five questions facing the Scarlet Knights with media days – and shortly after training camp – set to begin:

What type of production can Rutgers football get from Athan Kaliakmanis?

This is arguably the most important question facing the Scarlet Knights heading into training camp. Schiano named Kaliakmanis the starter following the conclusion of spring practices, citing the Minnesota transfer’s accuracy and command of Kirk Ciarrocca’s offense as big reasons why. The decision prompted Gavin Wimsatt to hit the transfer portal – he landed at Kentucky shortly after.

Rutgers needs Kaliakmanis to ignite what has been a lackluster passing game in recent seasons. He’s going to have one of the Big Ten’s top running backs to hand off to in Kyle Monangai, as well as what looks like a formidable number of weapons at wide receiver. He has to take advantage of all of that to jumpstart the offense to the level Rutgers needs to it to be.

When will Tyreem Powell return?

The last year hasn’t been an easy one for the Rutgers star linebacker. Powell broke his hand last season against Indiana and he missed the final four regular season games and the bowl game. After returning to winter workouts, Powell suffered a torn Achilles. The good news for Rutgers was that the injury occurred early enough for Powell to have much of the offseason to recover. Schiano said in the spring that the expectation was for the linebacker to return for the start of the season. Even if that doesn’t happen, Rutgers has nonconference games against Howard and Akron and then a bye week before Virginia Tech, its first major test of the season. That being said, the sooner the Scarlet Knights can get Powell back, the better.

How much better can the offensive line be?

Rutgers made progress up front last season under offensive line coach Pat Flaherty, and the unit should continue that trajectory this season. The Scarlet Knights return left tackle Hollin Pierce, who has NFL potential, as well as center Gus Zilinskas, Tyler Needham, who started the first two games of the season at right tackle last season before a season-ending injury, guard Bryan Felter, guard Kobe Asamoah and guard Reggie Sutton, among others. Rutgers also brought in Ohio transfer Shedrick Rhodes, who could be in the mix to start at right tackle. The Scarlet Knights have younger depth that includes Emir Stinette, Dominic Rivera, Taj White and Dantae Chin. So Rutgers has quality pieces to work with as it tries to limit big, physical Big Ten defensive fronts. The Scarlet Knights’ O-line made strides last season. They need to continue that momentum this season.

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Just how good can the wide receivers be?

It’s definitely an improved group. It starts with the addition of Monmouth transfer Dymere Miller, who broke multiple records at the FCS level. Naseim Brantley is finally eligible after missing all of last season because of the NCAA’s inaction. Ian Strong is poised to build on what was a promising true freshman season, while Korey Duff Jr. and Benjamin Black have chances to make early impressions after a strong spring. Add in the return of slot receiver Christian Dremel, and Rutgers has weapons to throw the ball to. On paper, at least, this group has a lot of potential. How much of that potential translates to the field remains to be seen.

How will Rutgers football fare with a more manageable schedule?

This really isn’t something anyone in the program will discuss. The Scarlet Knights will maintain that right now their sole focus is on beating Howard in the season opener on Aug. 29. Still, Rutgers’ schedule has been a hot topic ever since it was released – a direct result of not having to face Ohio State, Penn State and defending champion Michigan now that divisions no longer exist. Instead the Scarlet Knights will play newcomers Washington, USC and UCLA. Of course, beating anybody in the Big Ten isn’t easy. These are still quality opponents. But Rutgers, on paper, has a more manageable schedule that has undoubtedly raised expectations outside the program. One thing is certain: If the Scarlet Knights can beat their first three opponents – Howard, Akron and Virginia Tech – their home game against Washington (primetime on Sept. 27, a Friday night) will provide an electric atmosphere at SHI Stadium.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Five questions facing Rutgers football with Big Ten Media Days set to begin