At San Jose State University, Rutley enrolled in the fall 2007 semester but did not play football.
He then played on the San Jose State Spartans football team from 2008 to 2011, the first two seasons under Dick Tomey.
As a freshman in 2008, Rutley played all 12 games and ran 79 times for 356 yards and 3 touchdowns, with his longest run being a 60-yarder against #13 Boise State.

In 2009, Rutley played 10 games and had just 59 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns.
In 2010, San Jose State had a new head coach Mike MacIntyre.
Rutley played all 12 games in 2010 and improved with 129 carries for 461 yards and 4 touchdowns.
Rutley stood out for his ability to shed tacklers and make long-distance running plays.
Rutley also had 17 receptions for 183 yards, including a 75-yard touchdown reception.
As a senior in 2011, Rutley earned second-team All-Western Athletic Conference honors.
He played 11 games and had 216 rushes for 903 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Among his touchdown runs were one of 66 yards against New Mexico State and 65 yards against UCLA.
Rutley also made 27 receptions for 336 yards.
In San Jose State's homecoming game against Hawaii, Rutley fumbled a 25-yard reception with about 2:30 to go, but San Jose State rallied to beat Hawaii 28-27 in a game where San Jose State had six turnovers and Hawaii five.
Rutley graduated from San Jose State in May 2012 with a B.A. in communication studies.
At San Jose State University, Rutley enrolled in the fall 2007 semester but did not play football. He then played on the San Jose State Spartans football team from 2008 to 2011, the first two seasons under Dick Tomey. As a freshman in 2008, Rutley played all 12 games and ran 79 times for 356 yards and 3 touchdowns, with his longest run being a 60-yarder against #13 Boise State.
In 2009, Rutley played 10 games and had just 59 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns. In 2010, San Jose State had a new head coach Mike MacIntyre. Rutley played all 12 games in 2010 and improved with 129 carries for 461 yards and 4 touchdowns. Rutley stood out for his ability to shed tacklers and make long-distance running plays. Rutley also had 17 receptions for 183 yards, including a 75-yard touchdown reception. As a senior in 2011, Rutley earned second-team All-Western Athletic Conference honors. He played 11 games and had 216 rushes for 903 yards and 12 touchdowns. Among his touchdown runs were one of 66 yards against New Mexico State and 65 yards against UCLA. Rutley also made 27 receptions for 336 yards. In San Jose State's homecoming game against Hawaii, Rutley fumbled a 25-yard reception with about 2:30 to go, but San Jose State rallied to beat Hawaii 28-27 in a game where San Jose State had six turnovers and Hawaii five. Rutley graduated from San Jose State in May 2012 with a B.A. in communication studies.
Brandon Rutley