Knight Noise: Rutgers Football Audio Ahead of Week 9 at Illinois | Walker, Duff, Kaliakmanis, Wright
Rutgers Football players huddle up during the 2025 Homecoming game.
Ahead of the Rutgers Football team’s week nine matchup against Illinois, WRSU’s Phil Jaccoma and Will Carmenaty got a chance to speak with some of the players during the week.
On Tuesday, Jaccoma spoke with Rutgers defensive linemen Jordan Walker. Walker had a crucial pass breakup late in the fourth quarter; The batted ball resulted in Purdue quarterback Ryan Browne catching and then fumbling the ball, which was recovered by the Scarlet Knights. The crucial play set Rutgers up for the game-winning kick by redshirt junior Jai Patel.
Rutgers quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis also spoke with the media on Tuesday. Kaliakmanis went 19/27 against Purdue, recording 358 yards passing and a touchdown.
On Wednesday, Carmenaty had the opportunity to speak with Rutgers wide receiver K.J. Duff. Duff put up a historic 241 yards on just six catches, as well as a touchdown. Duff was just seven yards short of the school record (248) held by Tiquan Underwood.
Rutgers linebacker Abram Wright also spoke to the media on Wednesday. Wright was second in tackles against Purdue with nine.
The Scarlet Knights travel out to Champaign, Illinois, this Saturday, to take on Illinois. The game will kick off at noon, with the Rutgers Countdown pregame show starting an hour early at 11:00 AM. Phil Jaccoma and Frankie Palumbo will be on the call on 88.7 WRSU-FM or online right here at wrsu.org.