Rutgers football kicks off their season Thursday night against UMass in a game primed for dominance — with Rutgers expected to cruise past the winless opponent, showcasing their offense and giving new players valuable second-half reps. Tune in live on the Big Ten Network as Jason Horowitz calls play-by-play, Anthony Herron breaks it down, and Dannie Rogers brings you sideline updates. Mark your calendar: this is the Scarlet Knights’ statement opener.

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KJ Duff is turning heads as a potential first or second-round NFL draft pick, leading Rutgers with his physicality and 22 contested catches last season—earning him a seven-figure NIL deal to stay. Coach Schiano calls him the hardest worker on the team, and Duff’s focus is on winning, not stats. With a revamped offense led by Duff and running back Antwan Raymond, and a new defensive coordinator aiming to shake up a struggling defense, Rutgers is hungry for redemption after a disappointing year—and they open the season Thursday against UMass.

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Rutgers is making a bold move ahead of the 2026 season, naming Dane Pizzaro as the new starting kicker — replacing veteran Jai Patel — just before their opener against UMass. Patel, a three-year starter and record-holder for consecutive field goals, is being benched after a shaky 2025 campaign marked by missed kicks and protection issues. Pizzaro, a preferred walk-on with soccer roots and a powerful leg (including a 56-yard attempt), gets the full starting role to ease into the spotlight against lesser opponents before facing tougher tests. The Scarlet Knights are betting big on his range and potential — and if he falters, the decision could become a major storyline as the season unfolds.

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Rutgers football has named its 2026 captains: KJ Duff, Kobe Asamoah, Sean Allison, Jesse Ofurie, and Michael O’Connor — a powerhouse mix of breakout stars, seasoned veterans, and rising talents ready to lead the Scarlet Knights into the next chapter.

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Rutgers football kicks off their season Thursday night against UMass in a prime chance to start strong—especially after a brutal 0-12 campaign last year. With a revamped defense and a new QB in Dylan Lonergan, the Scarlet Knights aim to shut down the Minutemen early and avoid the mistakes that cost them in past matchups. On offense, they’ll need to get stars KJ Duff and Antwan Raymond involved quickly, capitalizing on UMass’s shaky first-quarter defense. Beyond the win, Rutgers must showcase depth and stay healthy, using the blowout to rest starters and give younger players crucial experience. This opener is all about setting the tone—and proving they’re ready for a full season turnaround.

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Rutgers opens its season against UMass in a high-stakes chess match of coaching familiarity, as UMass’s staff—led by Joe Harasymiak, a former Rutgers assistant under Greg Schiano—knows Schiano’s system cold. With defensive coordinator Jared Keyte also tied to Rutgers, UMass’s defense is primed to anticipate Rutgers’ offense. But the edge may lie with Rutgers’ talent and execution, featuring playmakers like Antwan Raymond and KJ Duff. UMass counters with transfer QB Pop Watson and key returnees like linebacker Timmy Hinspeter, who played at Rutgers before joining Harasymiak. It’s not just a game—it’s a battle of preparation, history, and who executes best on the field.

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Rutgers football starts the season ranked 68th in ESPN’s FPI, stuck in the Big Ten’s lower tier with teams like Purdue and Maryland. Despite a loaded offense with three All-American candidates, the defense—ranked among the worst nationally last year, surrendering 432.8 yards per game—is the glaring weakness. Head coach Greg Schiano has brought in two new defensive coordinators to fix it, but fans are wondering if even a six-win season would count as success for his seventh year in his second stint. The real test? Breaking a long drought since 2009 by beating a ranked team—a feat that could spark a major turnaround and lift morale after a brutal loss to Illinois last year. With a tough schedule featuring USC, Michigan, and Penn State, Rutgers needs more than incremental progress—they need a statement win to prove they’re climbing out of the cellar.

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Rutgers kicks off their 2026 season at home against UMass in a matchup with historic ties and personal stakes—UMass head coach Joe Harasymiak, once Rutgers’ defensive coordinator, seeks his first win as head coach against his former team. With Rutgers favored and loaded with returning talent like QB Dylan Lonergan and rusher Antwan Raymond, the Scarlet Knights aim for a strong start. UMass, meanwhile, brings a QB with limited experience, making this a prime opportunity for Harasymiak to turn things around. The last meeting? A wild 2019 game where Rutgers came back from a 21-7 deficit for a 48-21 victory. Expect fireworks—and maybe a few surprises—as Rutgers looks to open the season with a statement win.

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