The Scarlet Knights have retained their leading scorer from last season.
Tariq Francis has re-signed with Rutgers for the 2026-27 season. After a breakout campaign, Francis will return for his final year of eligibility.
As a junior, Francis led the Scarlet Knights with 17 points and 2.9 assists per game. He played 27.8 minutes per night and shot 41.9% from the field and 35.1% from three-point range. Francis was also an elite free throw shooter at 91.1%.
Francis transferred in from NJIT last year and
made an immediate impact for the Scarlet Knights. He scored 578 points this season, which is the most in a single season for Rutgers since Quincy Douby in 2005-06.
Rutgers has seen plenty of turnover on the roster this offseason. Francis is now the fourth Scarlet Knight set to return, joining Lino Mark and Jamichael Davis in the backcourt. Center Gevonte Ware will also return next year.
The Scarlet Knights have seen eight players enter the transfer portal — Dorian Jones, Dylan Grant, Bryce Dortch, Baye Fall, Harun Zrno, Chris Nwuli, Denis Badalau, and Emmanuel Ogbole, who will seek a waiver for another year of eligibility.
Rutgers now has eight scholarships allotted for the upcoming season and six openings remaining.
