PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Tariq Francis is set to return to Rutgers men’s basketball for the 2026-27 season, following a standout first year in the Big Ten. His return brings back one of the conference’s most exciting scorers.
After transferring from NJIT, Francis made a splash in the 2025-26 season. The junior guard averaged 17.0 points per game and earned All-Big Ten Honorable Mention honors. He also added 2.9 assists per game while shooting 41.9% from the field and scoring in double figures 24 times.
“I truly love being a part of Rutgers,” Francis said. “The coaching staff, fans, and my teammates mean everything to me. I hope we can deliver the success you all deserve.”
Head coach Steve Pikiell praised Francis, noting his competitive spirit and skills. “He’s shown he can score at an elite level, and having his experience back for his senior year is vital for us,” Pikiell stated.
Francis also shined at the free throw line, making 164 free throws and achieving a remarkable 91.1% success rate. This puts him among just four players in Rutgers history to finish a season with over 90% from the line.
In terms of scoring, Francis had a historic season, racking up 578 points, the 17th-highest in program history. This total surpassed Dylan Harper’s previous year and was the best single-season scoring since Quincy Douby’s record in 2005-06. Francis’s ability to assist was also noteworthy; he recorded 99 assists throughout the season.
Fans witnessed many memorable moments, including a career-high 34-point game, highlighted by a buzzer-beater against Penn. His performance earned him the Big Ten Player of the Week award. He also had three games where he scored over 30 points, becoming the only Big Ten player since 1997 to achieve multiple 30-point games off the bench in a single season.
Francis broke a Big Ten Tournament record with 29 points in a game against Minnesota. He consistently delivered in critical situations, with notable games against Indiana and Michigan State.
Before joining Rutgers, Francis excelled at NJIT, where he led the America East Conference with an average of 19.2 points per game during the 2024-25 season.
As he prepares for the next season, Francis’s experience and scoring prowess will be crucial for Rutgers as they aim to make a significant impact in the Big Ten. Fans are excited to see how he leads the team with his talent and determination.
