CBS Sports has released its latest preseason poll, positioning Rutgers at No. 64 as the Scarlet Knights gear up for the 2026 campaign following a 5‑7 record in 2025.
A challenging slate
The upcoming schedule presents a mix of opponents, featuring one team ranked in the top ten and three additional programs inside the top twenty, while also meeting UMass, a school competing at the FBS level despite its FCS classification.
Among the highlighted matchups, Indiana enters the season as the No. 6 team after a national championship year, and USC sits at No. 14, boasting an elite talent pool that makes it a marquee opponent.
Other formidable foes include Michigan, ranked No. 16, and Penn State at No. 18, each bringing distinct storylines into the mix, while Wisconsin is listed at No. 61 and Nebraska at No. 35.
Context and expectations
Rutgers will also travel to face Boston College, ranked No. 98 after a difficult 2025 season, and Northwestern, listed at No. 48, a program known for its gritty play. The schedule further includes contests against Maryland (No. 51), Nebraska (No. 35), and Michigan State (No. 66), rounding out a demanding non‑conference lineup.
Coaches and players alike recognize that navigating this schedule will test depth and resilience, offering a pivotal opportunity for growth and future competitiveness.