Tariq Hayer holds the FS · Backup spot in Rutgers Scarlet Knights’s safety room. Where he sits among the room’s front-line roles:

Tariq Hayer is a free safety for Rutgers who stands 6'0" and weighs 195 pounds. Originally from PG County, Maryland, Hayer attended St. John's College HS, where he played defensive back and also competed in track and field under coach Pat Ward. He was a four-star recruit, ranked No. 12 safety nationally by national outlets and No. 2 overall prospect in Maryland by recruiting services, and received an invitation to the 2025 Under Armour Next All-America game. Hayer made his collegiate debut in one game at Illinois on November 1, 2025, during his freshman season.

Rutgers2025 — present