KJ Duff makes Rutgers history, but how high can he climb in the 2027 NFL Draft?

KJ Duff is making dominance look routine.

The Rutgers wide receiver continued his impressive start to the 2026 season Friday night, making school history while putting together another performance that should have the attention of NFL Draft fans.

Despite a slow start for the Scarlet Knights, Duff has been putting on quite a show. The big question entering Week 3 was whether he could be dominant against tougher competition, and he passed that test against the No. 11-ranked USC Trojans. Duff caught seven passes for 86 yards and a touchdown in the 42-35 loss.

Friday night, Duff helped Rutgers earn its first win of the season with another dominant performance, this time against Howard.

KJ Duff makes Rutgers history with another explosive performance

In the 58-7 blowout victory at SHI Stadium, Duff became the first player in Rutgers history to catch a touchdown in five consecutive games. He also surpassed 2,000 career receiving yards with his performance.

The historic feats weren't the only story for Duff. It was his continued rise as one of the top offensive weapons to watch ahead of the 2027 NFL Draft.

With another marquee performance in which he hauled in five receptions for 131 yards and a touchdown, Duff is putting himself firmly in the first-round conversation in a draft with receivers like Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith, Indiana's Charlie Becker and Texas' Cam Coleman headlining a deep talent pool.

Duff is right there in the conversation.

What's fascinating about what Duff is doing and the dominance he is defining with his skill set is that he isn't doing it for a big-name program like the three receivers named above. He is catching the attention of national fans with highlights like this 77-yard catch from Rutgers quarterback Dylan Lonergan that resulted in the touchdown that broke the school record.

Look at the separation he creates in getting open. In splitting the defense with his size and speed, Duff's big-play explosiveness continues to impress.

Yes, it's against Howard, and Rutgers entered the game at 0-3, but as I've emphasized, Duff has proven he can make contested catches and explosive plays against any competition. He will get another chance to prove that in the coming weeks, including a Big Ten matchup against Becker and the Indiana Hoosiers on Oct. 3.

Charlie Becker matchup could put KJ Duff's draft stock in the spotlight

While his draft stock is already rising, that game could put Duff firmly on the national radar as a potential first-round talent with plenty of attention also focused on how Becker performs.

Could that game put Duff in the race for WR2 in the 2027 NFL Draft?

Through four games, Duff has totaled 29 catches for 550 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. He has done it by showcasing his talent, remaining humble and showing what hard work can produce on the field.

That work ethic is rubbing off on teammates like running back Antwan Raymond, who rushed for 140 yards and three touchdowns against Howard.

When asked about Duff, the Rutgers running back wasn't surprised by what the hard work of his teammate and one of his best friends is producing. He also told reporters to stay tuned for what's to come.

“I see how he works day in and day out, and it's no surprise,” Raymond said. “… we always had trust in each other, and the best is yet to come.”

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