Rutgers Scarlet Knights 2026 Preview
Rutgers are 0-1 in 2026. They went 5-7 (2-7 in the Big Ten). Here is what changed on the roster, the full 2026 schedule, and where they rank going into the season.
About Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Played in the first-ever college football game, against Princeton in 1869.
- Joined the Big Ten
- 2014
- Chief rivalries
- Maryland, Penn State
What changed for Rutgers in 2026
- New defensive coordinator in Travis Johansen (South Dakota Head Coach)
- Starting QB from last season is gone. There is a QB battle happening between returner AJ Surface (58 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs) and Boston College transfer Dylan Lonergan (2,025 yards, 12 TDs, 5 INTs)
- Antwan Raymond returns at RB after a sophomore season of 1,241 yards and 13 TDs
- Top player in terms of receiving yards returns in KJ Duff (1,084 yards, 7 TDs)
- Returning two starting offensive lineman
- Returning two starters on defense in safety Kaj Sanders (64 tackles) and DT Zaire Angoy (14 tackles). Five transfers are expected to start, including Tulsa transfer DE J’Dan Burnett (6.5 sacks), Drake transfer LB Sean Allison (126 tackles - 6th in FCS), and South Dakota transfer CB Mikey Munn (3 INTs)
All 136 teams. Free every year via Kyle Kommes.
Fact checking by Brady Kommes; cover art by Pace Maier.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights 2026 schedule
| Game | Opponent | Site | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | UMass | Home | — |
| 2 | Boston College | Away | — |
| 3 | USC | Home | — |
| 4 | Howard | Home | — |
| 5 | Indiana | Home | — |
| 6 | Maryland | Away | — |
| 7 | Northwestern | Away | — |
| 8 | Michigan | Home | — |
| 9 | Wisconsin | Away | — |
| 10 | Nebraska | Home | — |
| 11 | Penn State | Away | — |
| 12 | Michigan State | Home | — |
Get the printable Rutgers Scarlet Knights 2026 schedule with kickoff times and TV, sized for one page.
More Big Ten previews
Illinois Fighting Illini
Indiana Hoosiers
Iowa Hawkeyes
Maryland Terrapins
Michigan Wolverines
Michigan State Spartans
Minnesota Golden Gophers
Nebraska Cornhuskers
Northwestern Wildcats
Ohio State Buckeyes
Oregon Ducks
Penn State Nittany Lions
Purdue Boilermakers
UCLA Bruins
USC Trojans
Washington Huskies
Wisconsin BadgersRelated reading
Rutgers Scarlet Knights betting FAQ
Rutgers Scarlet Knights play 12 games in 2026, 7 at home. They open against UMass. The full schedule is listed on this page.
Rutgers is outside Kyle Kommes's preseason Top 25 for 2026.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights play at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, NJ. Played in the first-ever college football game, against Princeton in 1869.
Maryland, Penn State. Rutgers has been a Big Ten member since 2014.
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