Messiah Tilson
Freshman defensive back on Rutgers's 2026 roster. No game stats recorded yet.
6′1″ · 185 lb · Rockford, IL · Guilford
Recruiting
S recruit
No. 402 nationally · Signed with Rutgers
No college snaps yet.
His full recruiting profileThe story
1 defensive back on Rutgers's roster. No game stats recorded yet.
- Signed as a 4-star recruit to Rutgers in 2026.
- Messiah Tilson rises on depth chart (Jul 28) Reported
Messiah Tilson
Limited signal — not enough coverage for a story yet.
His career
2026
- Signed with Rutgers4-star out of Guilford
Career arc
Splits & context
Supporting cast · Scheme
Staff and system around the player
Head Coach
Greg Schiano
Scheme reads (pass share, tempo, sack rate) need at least 3 team games — 2 games in so far.
Awards
A four-star recruit at defensive back for Rutgers -- now projected at an All-Conference level in coverage.
He hasn't recorded a college stat yet. Here's what we know about him.
Grades highest in speed and press coverage.
Rutgers has produced 1 All-Conference defensive backs. 6 have gone on to the NFL Draft since 2013. Duron Harmon went on to the NFL out of this room (2013).
How he plays
2026 Outlook
Rutgers
2026 Depth chart
Projected starter
Defensive back · Rutgers
Returning around him
- 1 Rutgers player drafted to NFL
- Transfer portal: +0 net (15 in / 15 out)
2026 Award watch
No preseason watch lists yet (most drop June 15 – July 15)
Rutgers · Last season: 5-7 · Talent rank #48 · 2026 recruiting class #36
Background
Prior to Rutgers: Coached by Anthony Capriotti at Guilford ... played defensive back and wide receiver for the Vikings ... helped Guilford to an 8-2 record and IHSA Class 7A playoff appearance as a senior ... totaled 17 tackles and added three receptions for 133 yards and a touchdown in the Vikin...
The secondary · Rutgers
- #1Kaj Sanders64 tackles · 2025
- #4Kevyn Humes16 tackles · 2025
- #20Chris Joines6 tackles · 2025
- #16Jessie Ofurie5 tackles · 2025
- #18Messiah Tilsonno box-score line yet
24 more on the roster · Rutgers team page