Rutgers Freshman Ja’Elyne Matthews Surprises with Transfer Portal Decision
Rutgers offensive lineman Ja’Elyne Matthews has made the unexpected choice to enter the transfer portal, just months after committing to the Scarlet Knights.
Matthews’ decision to join Rutgers as a highly-regarded offensive tackle from New Jersey initially raised some eyebrows, and now, he’s made another surprising move. On Wednesday, as the spring transfer portal window opened, Matthews’ agent confirmed to 247Sports that the freshman plans to explore other options.
Matthews is now the fourth player from the Scarlet Knights to enter the portal, joining offensive lineman Dominic Rivera, tight end Matthew Ogunniyi, and walk-on defensive back Trent Brown.
Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano secured Matthews’ commitment in June 2023, after the offensive tackle had a final list that included Georgia, Tennessee, and Miami. Matthews, a standout player from New Jersey’s Toms River North, made headlines during his recruitment when former MLB All-Star Todd Frazier and UFC legend Frankie Edgar delivered a pizza to Matthews while wearing Rutgers gear at a ceremony in Toms River. Matthews signed with Rutgers in December, despite holding offers from elite programs like Florida, Michigan, Ohio State, and Texas A&M. He had originally committed to Penn State in January 2023 before reopening his recruitment.
At 6-foot-6 and 340 pounds, Matthews was regarded as one of the top recruits in the nation, and he was expected to play a key role on the left side of the offensive line. He had participated in Rutgers’ spring practices for three weeks before making his decision.
With Matthews’ departure, Rutgers will need to find a replacement for left tackle Hollin Pierce, who is preparing for the 2025 NFL Draft. The offensive line has been a strength for the Scarlet Knights under Schiano’s leadership.
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