Rutgers Unveils 2026 Football Schedule and Key Broadcast Details
The Big Ten Conference has released the television schedule for Rutgers’ 2026 football season, confirming that the Scarlet Knights will open the year at home against UMass with a 6:00 p.m. Eastern kickoff. The Minutemen are coached by former Rutgers defensive coordinator Joe Harasymiak, setting up a nostalgic reunion on the gridiron.
A highlight of the early slate is a Friday night showdown at Boston College, slated for 7:30 p.m. and broadcast on ESPN2 as part of the 25th‑anniversary tribute to the September 11 attacks, a game that will blend remembrance with high‑stakes competition.
Conference play kicks off with a home game against USC, scheduled for a 3:30 p.m. start on CBS, while a later contest against Howard on September 25 will air at 7:00 p.m. on the Big Ten Network, giving fans a mid‑week prime‑time option.
Homecoming weekend will feature the national champion Indiana Hoosiers, with an 8:00 p.m. kickoff that promises a festive atmosphere and a marquee matchup against the reigning champions.
The regular‑season finale against Maryland is set for no later than a 5:00 p.m. start, ensuring the Scarlet Knights close the year with a prime‑time slot that will be televised nationally.
The schedule reflects the Big Ten’s commitment to showcasing Rutgers on national platforms, offering a blend of historic tributes, high‑profile opponents and strategic kickoff times designed to maximize viewership across the conference’s broadcast partners.