Rutgers University has named four football players as team captains for the 2025 season. Quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis, center Gus Zilinskas, linebacker Dariel Djabome, and defensive end Jordan Walker were selected to serve in leadership roles and will represent the Scarlet Knights at midfield during coin tosses this fall.
Kaliakmanis enters his second year at Rutgers after throwing for 2,696 yards and 18 touchdowns last season. His performance marked the most productive passing season for Rutgers since 2014. Kaliakmanis’s return brings stability to a position that has seen much turnover in recent years. He was also listed on the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award Watchlist for this season.
Zilinskas, who anchors the offensive line, has started 26 straight games and played in a total of 36 contests with additional starts. Last year, he gave up fewer pressures than any other player on the line and is currently ranked No. 8 among Big Ten centers by Pro Football Focus.
On defense, Djabome had a standout year in which he recorded 105 tackles, eight tackles for loss, three-and-a-half sacks, and two forced fumbles. His efforts quickly established him as one of the top linebackers in the conference. He is expected to play a key role on a defense that experienced changes during the off-season.
Walker began his Rutgers career as a walk-on tight end in 2022 before switching to defensive end. He led the team in sacks last year with four-and-a-half but faces new competition from incoming pass rushers Eric O’Neill and Bradley Weaver. Despite uncertainties about his starting role, Walker’s progression from walk-on to team captain was cited as emblematic of team culture and work ethic.
Kaliakmanis’s inclusion on the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award Watchlist underscores national recognition for his achievements heading into the upcoming season.
