In NCAA wrestling, where programs like Iowa and Penn State typically dominate both championships and recruiting battles, the decision of elite prospect Tahir Parkins to choose Rutgers University over these giants represented a significant shift in the collegiate wrestling landscape. While Iowa boasts 24 team national championships and Penn State has established a modern dynasty under coach Cael Sanderson with 12 titles in the past 14 seasons, Parkins’ selection of Rutgers signaled that other factors beyond traditional prestige are increasingly influencing today’s top recruits.

His choice underscored how emerging programs can successfully compete for blue-chip talent against established powerhouses by emphasizing personal connections, developmental environments, and cultural fit over historical achievement alone. During an exclusive interview with EssentiallySports, Parkins revealed the multifaceted reasoning behind his surprising commitment to Rutgers, explaining that his decision was influenced by a combination of personal growth objectives, cultural compatibility, and the authentic relationships built during the recruitment process.

When asked by host Andrew Whitelaw about having his pick of top programs, Parkins provided insight into his thought process, stating, “A few things. One, it’s not too far from home, but it’s not here. I didn’t want to go to school anywhere in PA. I instantly crossed all of them off. That’s not, I just didn’t want to go to school here. I grew up here, so there’s no need to stay around. It’s time to, you know, branch out, see something new.”

The cultural atmosphere and genuine interpersonal connections at Rutgers ultimately proved decisive in Parkins’ recruitment. He described his campus visit experience, stating, “But I went over there and I just like the energy of the, you know, the coaching staff, the kids there. You know, I walked in, everyone’s saying what’s up. They already knew my name before I even knew who they were. You know, it just shows that, like, they cared before I even, before I was there.” This welcoming environment stood in stark contrast to the more transactional recruitment approaches he experienced elsewhere.

The personalized attention demonstrated by Rutgers’ coaching staff made a profound impression, with Parkins noting, “They’re telling me they got me in high school tournaments. They’re texting me, calling me, asking me if I need help training, if I need this and that. And they’re constantly just looking out.” Beyond these factors, Parkins emphasized the family-oriented culture that Rutgers wrestling has cultivated under head coach Scott Goodale, who has been building the program into a increasingly competitive force within the challenging Big Ten conference. “So I just love that atmosphere and, you know, I love the coaches and, you know, how it’s like a family aspect there as well as it is, you know, back home here,” Parkins explained.

This familial approach to program building appears to be a strategic differentiator for Rutgers as they compete against institutions with more extensive wrestling traditions and resources. While Penn State’s success under Sanderson has been described as “mind-boggling” by even elite wrestlers like Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson, and their administrative support remains virtually unlimited with athletic director Pat Kraft stating he would fund wrestling “to the limit of Sanderson’s ask”, Rutgers has carved out a competitive niche by creating an environment that prioritizes personal development and community.

The academic and financial aspects of Parkins’ decision also align with Rutgers’ value proposition as a public institution. Compared to Penn State, where in-state tuition runs $19,672 annually versus Rutgers’ $13,674 for New Jersey residents. Additionally, Rutgers boasts a higher percentage of students receiving financial grant aid (52% versus Penn State’s 36%) and larger average grant packages ($16,249 versus $11,577). With Rutgers graduates earning a median salary of $66,200 after ten years compared to Penn State’s $55,300, the academic and career development aspects apparently complemented the athletic considerations in Parkins’ comprehensive evaluation process.

Rutgers’ success in securing Parkins’ commitment represents a significant milestone in program building and demonstrates that with the right coaching approach, cultural environment, and recruitment strategy, emerging programs can compete for elite talent against established powers. So, what’s the history behind the Scarlet Knights?

Why Rutgers was the perfect fit for a prospect like Tahir Parkins

Rutgers University has a rich wrestling history that has grown into a strong NCAA Division I program in the tough Big Ten Conference. With Head Coach Scott Goodale at the helm for 17 seasons now, the Scarlet Knights have become a steady source of top-notch talent. The Rutgers Athletic Center (RAC) in New Brunswick, New Jersey, is where the program calls home, and it can hold up to 8,000 spectators.

Back in 2019, the program hit a major milestone when Anthony Ashnault and Nick Suriano made history as Rutgers’ very first NCAA champions. Ashnault is often seen as the best wrestler in the school’s history, having earned All-American honors four times and holding the record for the most wins in the program with a record of 123-18.

Suriano, who’s a two-time All-American and made the move from Penn State, snagged his national title at 133 pounds. Another well-known wrestler is Sebastian Rivera. He’s a multi-time All-American and has also made a name for himself internationally, finishing second at the 2023 World Championships in freestyle wrestling.

Not only does the program focus on individual success, but it also gets a boost from the Scarlet Knights Wrestling Club (SKWC). This place is an Olympic Regional Training Center that’s all about helping top athletes prepare for international competitions. With a solid coaching team, a committed training facility, and a track record of recent wins, Rutgers has made a name for itself as a respected force in college wrestling.