A future matchup
Rutgers University has confirmed that its football program will meet Akron on September 13, 2031, as part of a carefully curated out‑of‑conference schedule for the 2031 season. The game will be played at the Scarlet Knights’ home venue, continuing a pattern of scheduling non‑conference opponents that have historically provided competitive challenges.
The matchup is not a first‑time encounter; Rutgers previously traveled to face Akron twice, emerging victorious on both occasions. Those past meetings have added a modest but notable chapter to the Scarlet Knights’ record against Mid‑American Conference (MAC) programs.
MAC pedigree and future slate
Rutgers’ all‑time record against teams currently belonging to the MAC stands at 16‑5‑1, a winning percentage that reflects a long‑standing willingness to schedule opponents from the conference. In addition to Akron, the 2031 slate includes a game against Temple, as well as other non‑conference fixtures such as Boston College, Long Island, Norfolk State, UConn, Kent State and Central Michigan.
The university’s scheduling philosophy has consistently featured MAC schools, with previous engagements against Ohio, Miami, UMass, Kent State and Central Michigan. Those games have not only tested the Scarlet Knights but also helped shape a broader non‑conference portfolio that blends regional rivals with programs from across the country.
While the 2031 schedule is still several years away, the announcement underscores Rutgers’ commitment to building a diverse set of opponents that can test the team’s depth and prepare it for the rigors of Big Ten competition. Fans can look forward to a season that blends tradition with fresh challenges, as the Scarlet Knights continue to expand their football horizons.