Rutgers Freshman Ja'Elyne Matthews Enters Transfer Portal

Highly-touted freshman offensive tackle Ja'Elyne Matthews has entered the NCAA transfer portal, ending his brief tenure with Rutgers just months after enrolling early and participating in spring practices. Matthews, a standout from Toms River North High School, had chosen Rutgers over powerhouse programs such as Georgia, Tennessee, and Miami, and his commitment was celebrated by local sports legends. His departure marks the fourth Rutgers player to enter the portal on the first day of the spring window, alongside offensive lineman Dominic Rivera, tight end Matthew Ogunniyi, and walk-on defensive back Trent Brown. Matthews was seen as a potential anchor for the Scarlet Knights' offensive line and a key in-state recruit for head coach Greg Schiano. The reasons behind Matthews’ quick exit remain unclear. His departure highlights the ongoing volatility and challenges that college football programs face in the transfer portal era.