Big Ten Network analyst calls Rutgers RB ‘most underrated player in the Big Ten’

Many have called Rutgers a sleeper team in the Big Ten this season. The Scarlet Knights have a very favorable schedule that avoids Michigan, Ohio State, Penn State, and Oregon.

A huge reason why Rutgers is being talked about is because of their star running back, Kyle Monangai. Big Ten Football analyst and former Michigan tight end Jake Butt even gave him a distinct honor as the most underrated player in the conference.

“How is he underrated? Well, he led the Big Ten in rushing last year,” Butt said as part of his Top 24 players for 2024 series. “And yet, when we talk about the best running backs in the conference, how often do you hear his name? It’s a tragedy that his name doesn’t come up more often.”

Monangai rushed for over 1,200 yards last season and finished his 2023 campaign very strong with three 100+ rushing-yard performances in the final five games. He even finished with 159 yards on the ground against a much improved Ohio State defense last year.

A big reason for Monangai’s success was the improvement his offensive line showed as the year progressed. Fortunately, Rutgers returns five offensive linemen who started five or more games, so seeing how that unit looks throughout the upcoming season will be interesting.

If Monangai can translate his final five games into an entire season, the Scarlet Knights will be a tough team to face. Rutgers starts their season in just a few days, where they will host the Howard Bison in Piscataway on Aug. 30.