Rutgers football has named its four captains for the 2025 season. Quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis, Center Gus Zilinskas, Linebacker Dariel Djabome, and Defensive End Jordan Walker will represent Rutgers at midfield for coin tosses this season.
In his lone season at Rutgers, Kaliakmanis threw for 2,696 yards and 18 touchdowns. He is the most productive quarterback in recent Rutgers memory as he threw for the most years since Gary Nova in 2014. His return to the Scarlet Knights provides some stability
at quarterback, something Rutgers hasn’t had in awhile. He was also named to the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award Watchlist this season.
Zilinskas has been a staple on Rutgers offensive line as he has made 26 consecutive starts for the Knights. He played in 36 games, with three more starts outside of his consecutive streak. Last season he gave up the least amount of pressures out of anyone on the Knights line. He is ranked as the No.8 center in the Big ten by pro football focus.
Djabome had a breakout year on defense last season. He led the team with 105 tackles, including 8 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles. He quickly became one of the best linebackers in the Big Ten over the course of the season. Now he is expected to be the staple of a defense that has seen much change in the off season.
Walker’s journey to team captain is an interesting one. He started as a walk-on tight end at Rutgers in 2022. He was moved to the other side of the ball to play defensive end and led the team in sacks in 2024 with 4.5. Since Rutgers brought in talented pass rushers such as Eric O’Neill and Bradley Weaver in the off season, their is a question on whether or not he will start. Despite this, Walker fits the role of captain well. A captain is supposed to represent team culture. Very few players can represent that better than someone who started off as a walk on, and through hard work, became one of the most productive players on the team.
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