A Season of Promise and Challenge
After a 5‑7 finish in 2025, the Rutgers Scarlet Knights fell short of bowl eligibility, a setback largely attributed to a defense that surrendered 31.8 points per game, one of the highest marks in the Big Ten. The Scarlet Knights finished the season with a 5‑7 record, leaving the coaching staff with a clear mandate: tighten up on that side of the ball.
Head coach Greg Schiano, now in his 18th year overall and his seventh consecutive season at Rutgers, has made defensive improvement the top priority for the upcoming campaign. In a recent press conference, Schiano stressed that the unit must cut the points allowed dramatically if the team hopes to compete in the tough Big Ten landscape.
The offensive side of the equation brings reasons for optimism. Junior running back Antwan Raymond, a preseason All‑Big Ten selection and third‑team All‑America honoree, returns after racking up 1,241 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2025. His 240‑yard explosion against Maryland highlighted a rushing attack that could become a cornerstone of the offense.
Raymond’s growth is also shaped by his relationship with former teammate Kyle Monangai, a player Schiano credits for helping the running back absorb new techniques and approaches. ‘Kyle’s work ethic and attention to detail have rubbed off on Antwan,’ Schiano said, noting that the back’s goals for 2026 are team‑first, focused on winning.
Key Players to Watch
At quarterback, the Scarlet Knights face a competition between redshirt sophomore AJ Surace and transfer Dylan Lonergan. Surace has shown steady development and a strong work ethic, while Lonergan arrives after a stint at Boston College and a productive ACC season in which he threw for 2,025 yards and 12 touchdowns. Both bring experience that could stabilize the passing game.
The coaching staff also benefits from the presence of seasoned assistants, including Kirk Ciarrocca, whose offensive expertise could help blend a consistent attack with the defensive upgrades Schiano demands. Even legendary coach Nick Saban has been mentioned in discussions about the program’s upward trajectory, underscoring the potential that many see in the Scarlet Knights.
With a strong running foundation, an experienced coaching cadre, and a renewed focus on defense, Rutgers hopes to translate its offseason work into on‑field success. The ultimate aim is to pair offensive consistency with a tightened defense, positioning the team to return to bowl eligibility and contend for a conference title.