CBS Sports Names Rutgers WR Ben Black and Safety Jesse Ofurie as Players Poised for a Breakout Season in 2026

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In a recent article by CBS Sports, writers Matt Zenitz and Chris Hummer listed several players from around the Big Ten they believe are poised for a breakout season. Two Rutgers players were named to this list, one offense and one defense, as WR Ben Black was selected along with safety Jesse Ofurie.

In their statement on Black, CBS described how he has a golden opportunity to breakout with KJ Duff earning most of the other teams’ attention, and Black being one of the more college-experienced receivers on the roster.

“Rutgers’ No. 1 receiver, KJ Duff, is an early-round NFL draft prospect and one of the clear top wide receivers in the nation. Black will be the starter opposite of him after serving as the Scarlet Knights’ No. 4 receiver last year behind not only Duff but also Ian Strong, who’s now at Cal, and DT Sheffield, who’s now with the New York Jets. In his lone start last season, Black had four catches for 56 yards against Purdue,“ said CBS in their description of why they added Black to the list.

As for Ofurie, they pointed out Rutgers’ success in converting receivers to defensive backs and how he finished spring practice with the most improved defensive player award.

“Rutgers has had past success converting wide receivers to defensive backs, most notably with 2025 Baltimore Ravens sixth-round draft pick Robert Longerbeam. Ofurie could be the next success story in that vein. 

The 6-foot-2, 210-pound Ofurie, who moved to defensive back in 2024 following his freshman season with the Scarlet Knights, was a standout this spring and ended spring practice as the winner of Rutgers’ Most Improved Defensive Player award. He’s putting himself in a position to be a factor for Rutgers this season.“

Both players will be seeing a lot of playing time next season. Black is the assumed no.2, while Ofurie has been name-dropped as a leader among the STUDS group, which is a group of defensive backs that play the third safety in head coach Greg Schiano’s defense.

Over his career, Black has caught 20 passes for 276 yards and two touchdowns. Ofurie, on the other hand, has made 7 total tackles throughout his college career. Those numbers should leap forward as both players see more playing time.

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