Fifteen players tested positive for the virus following series of on-campus parties, state health officials said.
"We have had several circumstances where indoor and outdoor gatherings in our state have led to community clusters of COVID-19,” NJ Health Commissioner Judy Persichilli said.
"Even smaller gatherings can lead to cases."
Four other Big Ten teams --Ohio State, Michigan State, Maryland and Indiana – have also suspended summer workouts.
“We have paused all in-person team activities, quarantined our entire program and will work diligently with Rutgers medical experts, and state and local officials, to determine next steps,” a university statement read.
The Rutgers outbreak was among 125 new cases linked to recent parties "that could have been stopped," Persichilli said.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Northern Valley and receive free news updates.