On May 20th, 2025, Rutgers entered the Big Ten Tournament as an 11-seed, facing #6 Indiana, a team that had dominated them all season.

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Rutgers shocked everyone, winning 5-2 and proving what coach Steve Owens has been building: a program that refuses to back down. Their 29-28 record and 15-15 Big Ten mark don't show the full story.

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Rutgers is now a team that opponents can't overlook, showing up in big moments and making every out count. Owens brought this tough, winning culture from Bryant, where he won 327 games in nine seasons.

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If you're a parent looking for help getting your athlete to the next level, Alex and Premier Athletes can help.

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Location & Academics:

• New Brunswick, New Jersey (30 minutes from NYC)
• Enrollment: ~30,000 students across all campuses
• Flagship public research university
• Average admitted student GPA: 3.3-3.8

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What Makes It Special: Rutgers combines Big Ten competition with proximity to one of the world's largest metropolitan areas. Student-athletes benefit from a top-tier academic institution with access to internships, networking, and career opportunities unique to the New York/New Jersey area.

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Program Identity:

• Member of the Big Ten Conference
• 105 wins over the last three seasons (most since 2001-03)
• Back-to-back 30-win seasons in 2022-23 (first since 2004-05)
• Program record for wins in a season under Owens
• First Big Ten Tournament championship game appearance in program history

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The Owens Philosophy: Since arriving in 2020, Owens has emphasized toughness, commitment, and player development. His system produces players who compete at the highest level—the proof is in 105 wins over three seasons and consistently reaching the Big Ten Tournament.

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Coach Profile:

• Seventh season at Rutgers (2025-26)
• 1,046+ career wins (5th among active D1 coaches)
• .644 career winning percentage (22nd nationally)
• 11-time conference Coach of the Year
• 1,000th career win achieved at Rutgers in 2023

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Why He Matters: Owens has built winning programs everywhere he's been—Cortland State (Division III World Series), Le Moyne (NCAA Tournaments), Bryant (eight straight NEC titles). He's mentored 26 All-Americans and 57 professional players. His track record of turning programs around is elite, and Rutgers is already seeing the results: most wins in three years since 2003, back-to-back 30-win seasons, and a Big Ten Tournament championship game appearance.

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The 2025 Season:

• Overall Record: 29-28
• Big Ten Record: 15-15
• RPI: 86
• Big Ten Tournament upset of #6 Indiana (5-2)
• Series win over Washington (first Big Ten series win of season)

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What Made It Matter: Rutgers played tough all season in one of college baseball's most competitive conferences. The Indiana upset in the Big Ten Tournament wasn't luck—it was validation. The Scarlet Knights defeated teams they weren't supposed to beat and competed with everyone on their schedule. That's the foundation championship programs are built on.

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Training Excellence:

• Indoor hitting and pitching facilities
• Video analysis and player development technology
• Comprehensive strength and conditioning programs
• Big Ten-level resources for year-round training

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The Northeast Advantage: Proximity to New York City and Philadelphia provides excellent exposure to professional scouts and summer league opportunities. Rutgers' location offers unique advantages for player visibility and career networking.

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Strong Academic Profile:

• Flagship public research university (founded 1766)
• Top programs in business, engineering, pharmacy, communications
• Extensive research opportunities
• Strong alumni network across all industries

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Athlete Support: Rutgers provides dedicated academic advisors, tutoring programs, and comprehensive support systems designed for student-athletes balancing Big Ten competition with rigorous academics.

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MLB Development:‍

Under Owens' tenure, Rutgers has sent multiple players to professional baseball. His career track record includes mentoring 57 professional players and 26 All-Americans across his stops at Cortland State, Le Moyne, Bryant, and Rutgers.

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How Smart Families Navigate Recruiting

Most families guess their way through recruiting—hoping the right email, showcase, or video will get noticed. We replace that guesswork with a clear, proven plan: the right timeline, targeted coach outreach, strategic exposure, and polished videos that stand out. Your athlete won't just be seen—they'll be pursued.

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Programs like Rutgers are building momentum in competitive conferences. That's exactly the kind of opportunity we teach families to identify and target strategically.

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Start Building Your Recruiting Strategy

If your athlete has the talent and toughness to compete at Rutgers' level, don't leave their future to chance. Let's build a recruiting strategy that connects them with programs where they can thrive.

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Schedule Your Free Strategy Call with Alex

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During this call, we'll evaluate your athlete's current recruiting position and create a personalized roadmap to maximize their opportunities. Programs like Rutgers are proving they belong in Big Ten competition—make sure your athlete is part of those conversations.

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To your son's success.

P.S. I help baseball players and their families get interest and offers from their top schools. Here is how I can help:

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• Premier Athletes Recruiting Program (4-figure investment) – Full-service: coaches outreach, video creation, bi-weekly check-ins, and our proven playbook to turn interest into legit offers.

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Schedule a Recruiting Call