Former Colorado center Hank Zilinskas signs with Rutgers

Former Colorado center Hank Zilinskas signed with Rutgers, according to a release from the program. He entered the transfer portal on New Years’ Eve.

Zilinskas had a quality season, helping Colorado to a 9-4 record in 2024. He allowed no quarterback hits and only one sack on 104 pass blocking attempts according to PFF.

As a member of the Class of 2021, Zilinskas was a three-star recruit out of Englewood (Colo.) Cherry Creek, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He was the No. 15 overall prospect in the state, the No. 159 interior offensive lineman in the class and the No. 1,756 overall prospect in the class.

To keep up with the latest players on the move, check out On3’s Transfer Portal wire.

Hank Zilinskas signs with Rutgers for 2025

Zilinskas joins a Rutgers squad coming off a second straight 7-6 campaign, although the Scarlet Knights fell 44-41 to Kansas State in the Rate Bowl.

“(Kansas State) played better and we had some issues,” head coach Greg Schiano said after the game. “Some of them were technical issues, some of them were coaching issues. We had to get coach Ciarrocca down from the box because our headsets weren’t working correctly. I felt back. Certainly, one of his secrets is calling the game from up there.

“But you know what? I tip my hat to Kansas State. They controlled the game in the second half with their offense and their defense.”

Zilinskas is expected to play with a veteran quarterback though. Athan Kaliakmanis is expected back for his final season of eligibility in 2025.