PISCATAWAY – Rutgers football has some playing time up for grabs at wide receiver and Jourdin Houston figures to be right in the mix.

That’s what the young receiver is focusing on during the team’s spring practices as he looks to bounce back from an injury-plagued freshman campaign.

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Houston is putting in the work to take care of his body and stay on the field.

“Been in the training room a lot, so I make sure I’m healthy, make sure I’m able to compete for the team, at my 1/11th, and just be able to be there with my team,” Houston said following a recent practice. “I’m making sure I’m going to stay healthy so we could have a great season.”

The 6-foot-1, 195-pound Houston could earn himself a bigger role after the Scarlet Knights lost some key weapons in the offseason, most notably Ian Strong (transferred to California) and DT Sheffield (graduation).

Rutgers Scarlet Knights wide receiver Jourdin Houston (4) during the week nine college football game against the Purdue Boilermakers, Saturday, October 25, 2025 in West Lafayette, IN.

Rutgers Scarlet Knights wide receiver Jourdin Houston (4) during the week nine college football game against the Purdue Boilermakers, Saturday, October 25, 2025 in West Lafayette, IN.

While star receiver KJ Duff is back, the rest of the room is younger and more unproven and inexperienced.

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Rutgers didn’t bring in a wide receiver via the transfer portal and coach Greg Schiano said that stems from the belief the talent is already in place – talent that includes Benjamin Black, Vernon Allen and Famah Toure, among others, in addition to Houston.

Even while he was sidelined, Houston said he still learned plenty.

“Learning from older players, you can see their routines and see what they do to come in healthy and be able to play,” Houston said. “So learning and not being able to play, I just got information to become a better player and (take care of) my body.”

Houston joined the program with the 2025 recruiting class as a highly touted recruit out of St. Thomas More in Connecticut – he was the No. 6 overall recruit in New York for his class, per the 247Sports Composite.

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His offer list included Penn State, Michigan State, Maryland, Minnesota and Syracuse, among others, but the Bronx native ultimately stayed closer to home.

Being able to learn from an NFL-bound star in Duff, who’s become one of the top wide receivers in the Big Ten following a breakout 2025, doesn’t hurt, either.

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Aug 28, 2025; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights wide receiver DT Sheffield (0) catches a touchdown pass during the first half against the Ohio Bobcats at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

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Aug 28, 2025; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights wide receiver DT Sheffield (0) catches a touchdown pass during the first half against the Ohio Bobcats at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

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Rutgers Scarlet Knights quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis (16) looks for an open teammate in the first quarter, Thursday, August 28, 2025.

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Rutgers Scarlet Knights running back Antwan Raymond (3), carries the ball, Thursday, August 28, 2025.

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Scarlet Knights fans are shown at SHI Stadium to root for Rutgers during the first game of their season, Thursday, August 28, 2025.

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Rutgers Scarlet Knights wide receiver Ian Strong (9) runs with the ball past Ohio Bobcats safety Jalen Thomeson (22), Thursday, August 28, 2025.

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Rutgers Scarlet Knights wide receiver DT Sheffield (0) runs for a touchdown after completing a pass, Thursday, August 28, 2025.

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Ohio Bobcats tight end Mason Williams (85) scores the first touchdown for his team despite efforts by Rutgers Scarlet Knights defensive lineman Jordan Walker (8) Thursday, August 28, 2025.

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Rutgers Scarlet Knights place kicker Jai Patel (44) is congratulated after he kicked the game winning field goal in the fourth quarter, giving his team a 34-31 victory over the Ohio University Bobcats, Thursday, August 28, 2025.

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Rutgers Scarlet Knights quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis (16) looks for an open teammate, Thursday, August 28, 2025.

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Rutgers Scarlet Knights wide receiver KJ Duff (8) runs with the ball after making a catch, Thursday, August 28, 2025.

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Rutgers Scarlet Knights quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis (16), runs with the ball, Thursday, August 28, 2025.

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Rutgers Scarlet Knights quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis (16), looks for an open teammate, as Rutgers Scarlet Knights running back Ja’shon Benjamin (20) pretends to grab the ball, Thursday, August 28, 2025.

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Rutgers Scarlet Knights running back CJ Campbell Jr. (5), Thursday, August 28, 2025, in Piscataway.

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Rutgers Scarlet Knights running back Antwan Raymond (3) is shown with the ball in the second quarter, Thursday, August 28, 2025.

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Rutgers Scarlet Knights running back Antwan Raymond (3) is shown with the ball in the fourth quarter, Thursday, August 28, 2025.

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Rutgers Head Coach, Greg Schiano watches his Scarlet Knights, Thursday, August 28, 2025.

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Rutgers began their football season,Thursday, August 28, 2025, with a game against Ohio University.

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Rutgers football RB Antwan Raymond scores a touchdown during the Scarlet Knights’ game against Miami (Ohio) on Sept. 6, 2025 at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, N.J.

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Rutgers football QB Athan Kaliakmanis runs the ball during the Scarlet Knights’ game against Miami (Ohio) on Sept. 6, 2025 at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, N.J.

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Sep 13, 2025; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights running back Antwan Raymond (3) scores a rushing touchdown during the first half against the Norfolk State Spartans at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

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Sep 13, 2025; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights quarterback Rocco Rainone (17) celebrates his touchdown reception with tight end Colin Weber (18) during the second half against the Norfolk State Spartans at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

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Sep 13, 2025; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights running back Ja’shon Benjamin (20) celebrates his rushing touchdown with teammates during the second half against the Norfolk State Spartans at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

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PISCATAWAY, NEW JERSEY – SEPTEMBER 19: Athan Kaliakmanis #16 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights leaps over Xavier Nwankpa #1 of the Iowa Hawkeyes during the first half at SHI Stadium on September 19, 2025 in Piscataway, New Jersey. (Photo by Ed Mulholland/Getty Images)

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PISCATAWAY, NEW JERSEY – SEPTEMBER 19: Athan Kaliakmanis #16 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights throws a pass during warmups for their game against the Iowa Hawkeyes at SHI Stadium on September 19, 2025 in Piscataway, New Jersey. (Photo by Ed Mulholland/Getty Images)

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Sep 19, 2025; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights running back Antwan Raymond (3) scores a rushing touchdown during the second half against the Iowa Hawkeyes at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

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Sep 19, 2025; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; A member of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights cheer team performs during the first half of the game against the Iowa Hawkeyes at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

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Sep 19, 2025; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Deshaun Lee (8) breaks up a pass intended for Rutgers Scarlet Knights wide receiver KJ Duff (8) during the second half at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

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Sep 19, 2025; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights running back Antwan Raymond (3) is tackled by Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back TJ Hall (2) during the first half at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

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PISCATAWAY, NEW JERSEY – SEPTEMBER 19: Athan Kaliakmanis #16 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights signals a first down against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the first half at SHI Stadium on September 19, 2025 in Piscataway, New Jersey. (Photo by Ed Mulholland/Getty Images)

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Sep 19, 2025; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights head coach Greg Schiano talks with officials during the first half against the Iowa Hawkeyes at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

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Sep 19, 2025; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights running back Antwan Raymond (3) is tackled by Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Koen Entringer (4) and defensive back Xavier Nwankpa (1) during the first half at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

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Sep 19, 2025; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights wide receiver KJ Duff (8) attempts to make a catch as Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back TJ Hall (2) defends during the second half at SHI Stadium.

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Sep 19, 2025; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis (16) passes the ball during the first half as Iowa Hawkeyes linebacker Karson Sharar (43) defends at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

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Sep 19, 2025; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis (16) scores a rushing touchdown during the first half against the Iowa Hawkeyes at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

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Sep 19, 2025; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis (16) scores a rushing touchdown during the first half against the Iowa Hawkeyes at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

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PISCATAWAY, NEW JERSEY – SEPTEMBER 19: DT Sheffield #0 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights catches a pass while Zach Lutmer #6 of the Iowa Hawkeyes defends during the first half at SHI Stadium on September 19, 2025 in Piscataway, New Jersey. (Photo by Ed Mulholland/Getty Images)

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The Rutgers student section is packed just before kickoff of the Iowa game

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Sep 19, 2025; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis (16) looks to pass during the first half against the Iowa Hawkeyes at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

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PISCATAWAY, NEW JERSEY – SEPTEMBER 19: Athan Kaliakmanis #16 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights throws a pass while under pressure from Karson Sharar #43 of the Iowa Hawkeyes during the first half at SHI Stadium on September 19, 2025 in Piscataway, New Jersey. (Photo by Ed Mulholland/Getty Images)

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PISCATAWAY, NEW JERSEY – SEPTEMBER 19: Antwan Raymond #3 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights runs with the ball against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the first half at SHI Stadium on September 19, 2025 in Piscataway, New Jersey. (Photo by Ed Mulholland/Getty Images)

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PISCATAWAY, NEW JERSEY – SEPTEMBER 19: Athan Kaliakmanis #16 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during warmups for their game against the Iowa Hawkeyes at SHI Stadium on September 19, 2025 in Piscataway, New Jersey. (Photo by Ed Mulholland/Getty Images)

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PISCATAWAY, NEW JERSEY – SEPTEMBER 19: DT Sheffield #0 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights catches a pass while being defended by Karson Sharar #43 of the Iowa Hawkeyes during the first half at SHI Stadium on September 19, 2025 in Piscataway, New Jersey. (Photo by Ed Mulholland/Getty Images)

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Sep 27, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis (16) makes a pass against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the first quarter at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nick Wosika-Imagn Images

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CHAMPAIGN, ILLINOIS – NOVEMBER 1: Kj Duff #8 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights is tackled by Tanner Heckel #16 of the Illinois Fighting Illini during the first half of the NCAA football game Illinois Fighting Illini vs Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Memorial Stadium on November 1, 2025 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)

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CHAMPAIGN, ILLINOIS – NOVEMBER 1: Luke Altmyer #9 of the Illinois Fighting Illini runs the ball against Kaj Sanders #5 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the first half of the NCAA football game Illinois Fighting Illini vs Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Memorial Stadium on November 1, 2025 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)

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Nov 8, 2025; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights running back Antwan Raymond (3) fights for yards as Rutgers Scarlet Knights defensive lineman RJ Johnson Jr. (32) tackles during the first half at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

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Nov 8, 2025; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights wide receiver Ian Strong (9) catches the ball a touchdown pass during the first half against the Maryland Terrapins at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

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Ohio State Buckeyes tight end Max Klare (86) hurdles Rutgers Scarlet Knights defensive back Bo Mascoe (3), defensive back Kaj Sanders (5) and linebacker Dariel Djabome (8) during the second half of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 22, 2025. Ohio State won 42-9.

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Ohio State Buckeyes defensive end Caden Curry (92) tackles Rutgers Scarlet Knights running back Antwan Raymond (3) during the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 22, 2025. Ohio State won 42-9.

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Ohio State Buckeyes running back Bo Jackson (25) reaches for the endzone under Rutgers Scarlet Knights defensive back Jacobie Henderson (10) during the first half of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 22, 2025.

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Ohio State Buckeyes defensive end Caden Curry (92) forces Rutgers Scarlet Knights quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis (16) to fumble to the ball in the second half of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio.

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Rutgers Scarlet Knights kicker Jai Patel (44) kicks a field goal during the first half of the NCAA football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 22, 2025.

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Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver David Adolph (82) runs into Rutgers Scarlet Knights defensive back Jacobie Henderson (10) during the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 22, 2025. Ohio State won 42-9.

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A slew of Ohio State Buckeyes sack Rutgers Scarlet Knights quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis (16) during the first half of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 22, 2025.

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Rutgers Scarlet Knights quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis (16) throws during the first half of the NCAA football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 22, 2025.

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Ohio State Buckeyes running back Bo Jackson (25) runs for a touchdown past Rutgers Scarlet Knights defensive back Jett Elad (9) during the first half of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 22, 2025.

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Rutgers Scarlet Knights head coach Greg Schiano watches his players in the first half of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio.

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Ohio State Buckeyes defensive end Caden Curry (92) brings down Rutgers Scarlet Knights running back Antwan Raymond (3) during the first half of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 22, 2025.

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Ohio State Buckeyes tight end Max Klare (86) leaps over Rutgers Scarlet Knights linebacker Dariel Djabome (8) and defensive back Kaj Sanders (5) during the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 22, 2025. Ohio State won 42-9.

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Ohio State Buckeyes running back Bo Jackson (25) runs the ball against Rutgers Scarlet Knights defensive back Jett Elad (9) in the first half of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio.

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Ohio State Buckeyes running back Isaiah West (32) is pushed out of bounds by Rutgers Scarlet Knights defensive back Jett Elad (9) in the second half of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio.

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Rutgers Scarlet Knights head coach Greg Schiano watches from the sideline during the first half of the NCAA football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 22, 2025.

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Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Lorenzo Styles Jr. (3) hits Rutgers Scarlet Knights running back Antwan Raymond (3) in the first half of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio.

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A slew of Ohio State Buckeyes sack Rutgers Scarlet Knights quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis (16) during the first half of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 22, 2025.

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Ohio State Buckeyes tight end Max Klare (86) tries to run past Rutgers Scarlet Knights defensive back Cam Miller (7) during the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 22, 2025. Ohio State won 42-9.

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Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Brandon Inniss (1) catches a touchdown pass behind Rutgers Scarlet Knights defensive back Jacobie Henderson (10) during the first half of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 22, 2025.

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Nov 29, 2025; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights wide receiver Kj Duff (8) is tackled by Penn State Nittany Lions cornerback AJ Harris (4) during the first half at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

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Nov 29, 2025; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis (16) drops back to pass during the first half against the Penn State Nittany Lions at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

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Nov 29, 2025; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights running back Antwan Raymond (3) scores a rushing touchdown during the first half against the Penn State Nittany Lions at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

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Nov 29, 2025; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis (16) reacts after his fumble was returned for a touchdown by Penn State Nittany Lions linebacker Amare Campbell (not pictured) during the second half at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Duff entered this spring with more of a leadership mindset. The rest of the wide receiver room is feeding off it, Houston said.

“KJ’s, he’s a big leader in the group” Houston said. “He’s like a big brother, because he’s pushing us every day, bringing the whole group with us. We’re working extra, making sure we all have the same mindset to have a great season.”

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Rutgers has developed standout receivers in recent seasons under coach Dave Brock. Houston is hoping to be among the next group to have a breakout year.

“It’s a lot of talent,” Houston said. “It’s pretty cool. I just feel like a brotherhood. We’re always working together, getting extra work. Making us all as one. We got the same mindset going into the season so we can go in and dominate.”

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Rutgers football WR Jourdin Houston eyeing impactful 2026