Rutgers loses commitment from 2027 ATH Zion Vilma
NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...
Lake Worth (Fla.) Dr. Joaquin Garcia three-star athlete Zion Vilma announced on Friday evening that he has decommitted from Rutgers. He was pledged to the Scarlet Knights since May 31, but is now back on the board amidst his senior season.
Vilma is the No. 842 overall prospect and No. 26 athlete in the 2027 cycle, according to the Rivals Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all major recruiting media companies. He’s also the No. 73 senior prospect in Florida.
$19.99 gets you a FULL year of On3 | Rivals national coverage
“First, I’d like to thank my family for all of their support through my recruitment. I would also like to thank all of the coaches and staff at Rutgers University for the opportunity to play at the next level,” Vilma wrote on X.
“I have nothing but respect and gratitude for the time, effort, and relationships built throughout the recruiting process. This decision was not made lightly. At this time, I would like to announce that I am decommitting from Rutgers University and opening my recruitment back up.”
The Knight Report first reported that Vilma is expected to visit UCF this weekend. The Knights will be a team to watch for the playmaker, who also totes offers from the likes of Miami, Georgia, Florida State and Mississippi State.
As a junior, Vilma finished with 57 receptions for 1,017 yards and 12 touchdowns. On the defensive side of the ball, he added 26 total tackles, 12 pass-breakups and four interceptions. He’s a Swiss-Army knife for Joaquin Garcia — which is 2-2 so far this season.
Rutgers’ class down two pledges this week
Vilma is the latest to back off a commitment to Rutgers as it struggles to begin the 2026 season. His decision now leaves head coach Greg Schiano and Co. with 18 commits in their 2027 class. The haul now sits at No. 52 in the Rivals Industry Team Recruiting Rankings.
Earlier this week, Wake Forest (N.C.) High three-star EDGE Josiah Sturdivant decommitted from the Big Ten program. The 6-foot-3 pass-rusher has since committed to Vanderbilt. He’s the nation’s No. 69 EDGE.
The Rutgers class remains without a blue-chip prospect. Top-ranked commits in the haul include: Johnstown (Pa.) Richland three-star wide receiver Arnold Mugerwa, Wilmington (Del.) Salesianum three-star WR Jamar Taylor, Boiling Springs (S.C.) three-star defensive lineman Dennis Glenn Jr., Old Tappan (N.J.) Don Bosco three-star WR Isaiah Alvarez and Spartanburg (S.C.) three-star running back Trenton Lynch.
An updated look at Rutgers’ 2027 class can be seen here. It now ranks 15th in the Big Ten, ahead of only Illinois, Iowa and Michigan State.
More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos