Rutgers enters the 2026 college football season ranked No. 68 in ESPN’s Football Power Index, positioning the Scarlet Knights in the middle tier of the Big Ten Conference.
Modest win total expected
The model predicts a record hovering around 6‑6 or 5‑7, giving the team a 62.3 % chance of securing bowl eligibility despite a challenging slate.
Strength of schedule and conference context
Rutgers’ strength of schedule sits at No. 85 nationally, placing it behind traditional powerhouses such as Ohio State, Oregon and Michigan, while still outranking Michigan State, Maryland and Minnesota in the preseason FPI.
Key figures to watch
Head coach Greg Schiano will rely on emerging talents like Aiden Gibson and KJ Duff, as well as quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis, to bring consistency and performance to the offense.
If the Scarlet Knights can translate preseason optimism into weekly execution, the season could exceed expectations and solidify their place in the conference’s competitive landscape.