Rutgers' New QB1: Dylan Lonergan – AI Scouting & Intelligence Brief
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Executive Summary: The Asset Profile
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights have officially landed their signal-caller of the future: or at least the next two years. Dylan Lonergan, the pro-style quarterback with SEC pedigree and a cannon for an arm, committed to Rutgers on January 5, 2026, following a turbulent but revealing tenure at Boston College.
Standing at 6-foot-2, 211 pounds, Lonergan brings a unique blend of pocket passing precision and athletic mobility that Greg Schiano's program has been searching for. After originally signing with Alabama under Bill O'Brien before transferring to Boston College, this redshirt junior arrives in Piscataway with two years of eligibility remaining and a point to prove.
Market Designation: "Distressed Asset with High Upside."
Lonergan is a Power-4 starter with SEC pedigree and MLB-level arm talent, but his mixed production at Boston College has kept his valuation below the elite "blue-chip" transfer tier. For Rutgers, that's not a red flag: it's an opportunity.
Financial Portfolio & NIL Valuation
Estimated Roster Value
In today's college football landscape, understanding a player's financial profile is just as important as their 40-yard dash time. Here's where Lonergan stands in the NIL marketplace:
| Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Estimated Annual Valuation | $450,000 – $700,000 |
| Primary Income Source | Knights of The Raritan Collective |
| Brand Partnership | KYMIRA Sport (Infrared Recovery Wear) |
| On3 NIL Valuation | ~$197,000 |
While elite transfer quarterbacks like Cam Ward or Dylan Raiola command north of $1.5 million, Lonergan falls into the "proven starter competition" tier. He's not a guaranteed program savior, but he represents a significant upgrade for a Rutgers squad desperate for quarterback stability.
NIL Deal Structure
The Knights of The Raritan, Rutgers' NIL collective, has been aggressive in the transfer portal. Lonergan's deal is likely structured with a solid base salary in the low-to-mid six figures, with performance incentives that could push his total earnings toward $800,000 if he leads the Scarlet Knights to bowl eligibility.
His existing partnership with KYMIRA Sport, signed back in May 2023 during his Alabama days, remains active. The infrared recovery wear company continues to benefit from his endorsement, though this represents a product-for-promotion arrangement rather than a major cash deal.
2025 Production Analysis: The Boston College Tape
Let's break down what Lonergan actually put on film during his 2025 campaign with the Eagles.
The Numbers
| Stat | 2025 Season (Boston College) |
|---|---|
| Games | 10 (9 starts) |
| Completion % | 66.9% (190-of-284) |
| Passing Yards | 2,025 |
| Touchdowns | 12 |
| Interceptions | 5 |
| Passer Rating | ~137.2 |
| Record as Starter | 2-7 |
Highlight Performances
Lonergan's ceiling was on full display in several games:
- vs. Michigan State: 34-of-45, 390 yards, 4 TDs – Earned ACC Quarterback of the Week
- vs. Georgia Tech: 26-of-40, 362 yards, 2 TDs
- vs. Stanford: 30-of-44, 333 yards, 1 TD
- Season Opener vs. Fordham: 76% completion rate: the highest by a BC quarterback in over a decade
His eight touchdowns and zero interceptions through the first two games represented the best start by a Boston College quarterback since Anthony Brown in 2018.
The "Bench" Factor
Here's where things get complicated. Lonergan was benched mid-season for Grayson James, a move that sent shockwaves through the BC fanbase and cratered his draft stock. However, he showed tremendous resilience by regaining the starting job late in the year.
ROI Verdict for Boston College: C+
For a likely $250k-$350k investment by BC donors, Lonergan provided "serviceable" play but didn't elevate the roster enough to justify a premium renewal. The mutual parting was inevitable: but Rutgers' gain is BC's loss.
Deep-Dive Scouting Report
Strengths: The "Buy" Case
Elite Arm Talent
This is the headline. Lonergan was a top-tier MLB pitching prospect before committing fully to football, with a fastball clocked in the low 90s. That arm strength translates directly to the gridiron: he can fit the ball into tight windows and drive it downfield with velocity that few Big Ten quarterbacks possess.
SEC Pedigree & Processing
Recruited by Bill O'Brien to Alabama, Lonergan has been around elite-level coaching and competition since day one. His pre-snap processing and understanding of complex defensive structures are advanced for his age.
Accuracy & Touch
A 67% completion rate in the ACC is nothing to sneeze at. He demonstrates excellent ball placement on timing routes and shows the ability to layer throws over linebackers and under safeties.
Physicality
At 6'2", 215 pounds, Lonergan can absorb hits in the pocket. He's not going to crumble under pressure: something Rutgers' offensive line will appreciate.
Weaknesses: The Risk Factors
Consistency Issues
Lonergan is prone to "cold streaks" where his accuracy dips and drives stall. The mid-season benching at BC is a testament to this: when he's off, he's really off.
Limited Mobility
While athletic enough to escape the pocket when necessary, Lonergan is primarily a pocket passer. He won't create explosive plays with his legs like dual-threat quarterbacks, meaning Rutgers' offensive line must provide consistent protection.
Ball Production Under Pressure
At Boston College, he "was pretty much always under pressure," according to scouts. His success at Rutgers will depend heavily on the supporting cast and offensive line improvements.
2026 Outlook: The Rutgers Fit
Scheme Compatibility
Here's where things get exciting for Scarlet Knights fans. Offensive Coordinator Kirk Ciarrocca's system is built for a quarterback exactly like Dylan Lonergan.
Ciarrocca favors:
- Traditional pocket passing
- Timing routes and RPO concepts
- Play-action off a physical run game
This is Lonergan's wheelhouse. Unlike spread-heavy systems that require elite mobility, Ciarrocca's offense rewards accuracy, anticipation, and arm talent: all areas where Lonergan excels.
Competition
Lonergan enters as the favorite to start over young quarterback AJ Surace. The coaching staff views him as a "bridge" starter: a veteran to stabilize the offense for 1-2 years while younger talent develops behind him.
Statistical Projection
| Category | 2026 Projection |
|---|---|
| Games Started | 12 |
| Passing Yards | ~2,400 |
| Touchdowns | 18 |
| Interceptions | 8 |
| Verdict | Solid stabilizer season |
If Lonergan hits these marks, he'll justify every penny of his $500k+ valuation and give Rutgers something they haven't had in years: consistent, competent quarterback play.
The Bottom Line
Dylan Lonergan represents exactly what Rutgers needs at this moment: a proven Power-4 starter with elite arm talent, SEC-level experience, and something to prove. His valuation as a "distressed asset" makes him a smart buy for the Knights of The Raritan collective, and his skill set is tailor-made for Kirk Ciarrocca's offense.
Is he a Heisman candidate? Probably not. But is he the stabilizing force that can lead Rutgers to bowl eligibility and compete in a loaded Big Ten? Absolutely.
The Scarlet Knights just got their QB1. Now it's time to see what he can do.
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