A New Chapter for Rutgers
The Scarlet Knights will open their 2026 campaign on the road against Indiana University on October 3, 2026, at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, New Jersey. The game marks Indiana's first away contest of the season and sets the stage for a clash that could shape both teams' early momentum.
Rutgers finished the 2025 season with a 5-7 overall record and a 2-7 mark in Big Ten play. Despite the subpar record, the team retained 47 percent of its production from the previous year, a figure that underscores the continuity of several key contributors.
The offense, which ranked 44th nationally in 2025, is expected to be a major weapon. Leading receiver KJ Duff amassed 1,084 yards and seven touchdowns last season, while running back Antwan Raymond rushed for 1,241 yards and 13 scores. At quarterback, AJ Surace, son of Princeton head coach Bob Surace, has taken over the starting role, bringing a fresh dynamic to the passing attack.
Defensively, the Scarlet Knights struggled in 2025, finishing 127th in the nation with 432.8 yards allowed per game. The unit has undergone a significant transformation, hiring Travis Johansen as the new defensive coordinator. Johansen inherits a defense that returns only three starters but adds fresh faces such as cornerback Mikey Munn, who transferred from South Dakota State University.
Special teams also present a mixed picture. Placekicker Jai Patel and punter Jakob Anderson will handle kicking duties, though the unit posted the third-worst PFF grade in the Big Ten last year. The coaching staff, led by head coach Greg Schiano, remains focused on tightening up fundamentals across the board.
Beyond the on-field storylines, the game will feature several familiar names from the broader college football landscape. Alumni such as Clay Thevenin, Kwabena Asamoah, Tyler Needham, Robb Smith, Zach Sparber, Keshon Griffin, Zaire Angoy, Kaj Sanders, Ben Black, Curt Cignetti and others will be watching closely as the Scarlet Knights aim to prove they can compete with a Big Ten opponent on the road.