A Preview of the Season Opener
The Scarlet Knights and the Bison are set to meet on September 25 at 7 p.m. in a highly anticipated season opener that promises a stark contrast in momentum. Rutgers enters the game riding a three‑game winning streak against Howard, each victory coming by double digits, a fact that looms large in the buildup.
Rutgers' historical dominance is more than a statistic; it reflects a pattern of controlling the tempo early and pulling away in the second half. The team’s coaching staff has emphasized establishing a quick lead, a strategy that aligns with the expectation of a comfortable margin of victory.
Howard, meanwhile, returns a core group of offensive playmakers. Quarterback Tyriq Starks, who threw for 1,801 yards last season, will once again anchor the passing attack, while running back Anthonay Reagan Jr. brings 671 rushing yards and nine touchdowns to the mix. Backup Travis Kearny adds depth with 318 yards and three scores, giving the Bison a balanced ground game.
The receiving corps also features standouts such as Andre Cooper II, who logged 364 yards and two touchdowns, and Breylin Smith, who contributed 234 yards on 29 catches. Tight end Montrell Walker’s 162 yards and a touchdown provide an additional safety valve for Starks. Defensively, Howard will rely on tackle leader Kendrick Green, who recorded 60 tackles and two interceptions last year, to anchor the front line.
Despite the optimism surrounding Howard’s offensive pieces, the team’s defense has undergone significant changes, losing several key contributors. The coaching staff hopes that the return of Green and the emergence of transfer Semaj Pierre, a former Rice wide receiver, can offset those losses, but the overall unit is expected to face an uphill battle against a disciplined Scarlet Knights offense.
Analysts project that if Rutgers can shut down Howard’s run game early and build a sizable lead, the final score could exceed a 30‑point differential. Such an outcome would not only reinforce the Scarlet Knights’ historical edge but also set a tone for the remainder of their schedule, which includes matchups against a variety of Power Five opponents.
The game will be played at Rutgers’ home venue in Piscataway, New Jersey, where the atmosphere is expected to be electric. Fans from both schools will gather to witness a clash that, on paper, favors the Scarlet Knights, but the unpredictable nature of college football always leaves room for surprise.