Rutgers Football Announces 2026 Spring Awards

TL;DR

Rutgers football has announced its 2026 spring awards, recognizing WR Jourdin Houston, DB Jesse Ofurie, and TE Logan Blake for their improvements during the offseason. The awards honor the most improved offensive and defensive players, as well as the player showing the most mental and physical toughness.

Key points

Rutgers football announced its 2026 spring awards.
Jourdin Houston won the Mark Mills Second Effort Award.
Jesse Ofurie received the Douglas A. Smith Second Effort Award.
Logan Blake was awarded the Frank R. Burns Award.
Awards recognize improvements during the offseason and spring practices.

Mentioned in this story

Greg SchianoDave BrockCharlie Noonan

Rutgers Scarlet KnightsJourdin HoustonJesse OfurieLogan Blake

Nov 1, 2025; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights head coach Greg Schiano greets defensive lineman Keshon Griffin (96) before a NCAA game against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images | Ron Johnson-Imagn Images Rutgers football announced its 2026 spring awards today, recognizing three players for their efforts during the spring practice window and the off-season. These awards are usually announced during halftime of the Rutgers spring game; however, this year’s traditions continued despite the cancellation of the spring game. These awards are meant to honor the most improved offensive and defensive players, and the player who showed the most physical and mental toughness throughout the spring.

Mark Mills Second Effort Award

Named in memory of former Scarlet Knight running back Mark Mills and awarded to the offensive player who, through determination, dedication, and hard work, has shown the most improvement during the offseason and spring practices.

2026 recipient- WR Jourdin Houston

Houston joined the team last season and appeared in two games in 2025 despite battling injury, like much of the wide receiver room. Jourdin was mentioned by Dave Brock specifically for doing a great job in the spring practices before Brock went on to talk about his impressive quickness for a receiver of his size. “He’s everything I think we thought he would be when we brought him here, and now you have a chance to kind of see it develop in front of your own eyes,” Rutgers wide receiver coach Dave Brock.

Douglas A. Smith Second Effort Award

Named in memory of former Scarlet Knight defensive tackle Doug Smith and awarded to the defensive player who through determination, dedication and hard work has shown the most improvement during the offseason and spring practices.

Q&A

Who won the 2026 Mark Mills Second Effort Award for Rutgers football?

WR Jourdin Houston won the 2026 Mark Mills Second Effort Award for demonstrating significant improvement during the offseason.

What is the Frank R. Burns Award given for in Rutgers football?

The Frank R. Burns Award is given to the player who demonstrates extraordinary mental and physical toughness during the spring practices.

Who received the Douglas A. Smith Second Effort Award for Rutgers football in 2026?

DB Jesse Ofurie received the Douglas A. Smith Second Effort Award for showing the most improvement among defensive players during the offseason.