Rutgers Scarlet Knights football

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights football program represents Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey in the Football Bowl Subdivision of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The team is part of the Big Ten Conference, after previously playing in the American Athletic Conference, which was known as the Big East Conference, from 1991 to 2013.

Rutgers plays its home games at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, New Jersey. The team is currently led by head coach Greg Schiano. One of the most important moments in the team's history is that they played in the first ever collegiate football game, where they won with a score of 6–4.

History

See also: List of Rutgers Scarlet Knights football seasons

Early history (1869–1958)

On November 6, 1869, Rutgers University and Princeton University played in the first college football game ever. The game took place on Rutgers' campus in New Brunswick, New Jersey. At the time, the game looked more like soccer and rugby because players could kick and punch the ball. Rutgers won that game 6–4. Later, they played again and Princeton won 8–0. They planned a third game but it didn’t happen because people thought the games were stopping students from studying.

From 1929 to 1975, Rutgers was part of the Middle Three Conference, playing against Lafayette College and Lehigh University. One coach, J. Wilder Tasker, led the team from 1931 to 1937 and they had a record of 31 wins, 27 losses, and 5 ties. Another coach, Harvey Harman, led from 1938 into the 1950s, except during World War II when they didn’t play. He had a record of 33 wins, 26 losses, and 1 tie.

John Bateman era (1960–1972)

John Bateman coached from 1960 to 1972 and had a record of 73 wins and 51 losses. In 1961, the team had a perfect season, going 9–0 and winning the Middle Atlantic Conference University Division championship. One player, Alex Kroll, was named an All-American that year.

Frank Burns era (1973–1983)

Frank Burns was the coach from 1973 to 1983. Under him, the team had eight seasons with more wins than losses, including going 11–0 in 1976. However, they turned down an invitation to a bowl game that year. They played in their first bowl game in 1978 but lost. Later seasons were not as successful, and Burns was let go after going 3–8 in 1983.

Dick Anderson era (1984–1989)

Penn State coach Dick Anderson took over in 1984. The team had some good seasons but mostly struggled, and he was fired after the 1989 season.

Doug Graber era (1990–1995)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Doug Graber led the team from 1990 to 1995. They had winning seasons in 1991 and 1992 but then struggled, and he was fired after a 4–7 season in 1995. Rutgers joined the Big East Conference in 1991.

Terry Shea era (1996–2000)

Terry Shea coached from 1996 to 2000. His time was tough; the team didn’t have a winning season and often won only a few games each year. He was fired after the 2000 season.

Greg Schiano era (2001–2011)

Greg Schiano became coach in 2001. The first few years were hard, but in 2005 they had their first winning season since 1992. In 2006, they started with nine wins in a row and ended the year at 11–2, with their first ever bowl win. The next few years were up and down, but they kept playing in bowl games until 2010 when they had a tough season. In 2011, they ended with a bowl win again before Schiano left to coach in the NFL.

Kyle Flood era (2012–2015)

Kyle Flood took over in 2012. They started strong but had some tough losses. In 2014, it was their first year in the Big Ten Conference, and they had a good season, ending 8–5 and winning a bowl game. The next year was harder, and both Flood and the athletic director were fired after the season.

Chris Ash era (2016–2019)

Chris Ash became coach in 2016. The team struggled each year he was there, and he was fired after a 52–0 loss in 2019.

Greg Schiano's return (2020–present)

Greg Schiano came back as coach in 2020. The 2020 season was hard because of the coronavirus, but they managed to play all their games. In 2023, they had their first winning season since 2014 and won a bowl game. In 2024, they finished 7–6 but lost their bowl game.

Conference affiliations

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights football team has been part of several different groups over the years. They started in the Middle States Intercollegiate Football League from 1893 to 1894. Later, they joined the Middle Three Conference from 1946 to 1951, and then the Middle Atlantic Conference from 1958 to 1961.

From 1991 to 2012, they were in the Big East Conference, and in 2013, they joined the American Athletic Conference. Since 2014, the team has been competing in the Big Ten Conference.

Championships

National championships

Rutgers claims one national championship.

Conference championships

Rutgers has one conference championship.

† Co-champions

Division championships

Three University Division titles as a member of the Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC).

Bowl games

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights have played in 13 bowl games. They have won 7 of these games and lost 6.

Head coaches

There have been 29 head coaches for the Rutgers football team, and four of them have coached more than once. The current head coach is Greg Schiano.

Logos and uniforms

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights football team usually wears red jerseys, white pants, and red helmets, but these uniforms have changed many times. The team’s famous Block R logo first appeared in its now-traditional form in 2001. From 2012 to 2016, they wore special chrome helmets with red, black, and white jerseys inspired by their knight mascot. In 2016, they went back to their classic red look.

Black jerseys are very rare, having been used only eight times between 2007 and 2018. In 2019, Rutgers asked a school in Louisiana to stop using a logo similar to their Block R. In 2022, they introduced new white uniforms with red details for their first game of the season against Boston College.

Rivalries

Princeton

Main article: Princeton–Rutgers rivalry

Rutgers and Princeton have a long history of friendly competition in sports. Their rivalry began with the very first college football game ever played in 1869. Even though they stopped playing football against each other in 1980, they still compete in other sports, especially men's basketball.

Maryland

Main article: Maryland–Rutgers football rivalry

Rutgers and Maryland have played each other many times since 1920. When both schools joined the Big Ten Conference in 2014, they were placed in the same group. They often played each other at the end of the season. Maryland has won more games overall, but Rutgers won the last two meetings. The Big Ten Conference plans to keep these two teams as regular rivals through at least 2028.

Other rivals

The Syracuse-Rutgers football rivalry began when both teams played in the Big East conference. Syracuse won many early games, but Rutgers became stronger in the 2000s. They met again in 2021 after a break. In 2012, Syracuse moved to the Atlantic Coast Conference, ending regular meetings between the two teams.

The Temple-Rutgers rivalry, called the "Battle of the Brick", is a close contest because the schools are nearby. Both teams have had winning streaks, making each game exciting. Rutgers leads the series 24–15 and the teams will play again in 2030.

Traditions

Before each home game, the Rutgers Scarlet Knights football team takes a special walk called the "Scarlet Walk." They greet fans and touch a statue that marks the first ever college football game, which happened in 1869.

After a Rutgers touchdown or when the team wins, a cannon is fired. Fans also have a fun chant: one side of the stadium yells "R" and the other side answers with "U."

Recognized players

Rutgers has had many important players in its long history of football. Starting in the 1910s, the university has had several top players, including some who were almost winners of the Heisman Trophy.

1910s Paul Robeson, born in Princeton, NJ, played under a future College Football Hall of Fame coach. He was chosen as an All-American in 1917 and 1918. After college, he played in the early NFL for two teams. Robeson was later inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.

1920s Homer Hazel first played for Rutgers in 1915, and then from 1923 to 1924. He was named an All-American twice, once as an end and once as a fullback. Hazel was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame.

1950s Bill Austin, from Fanwood, NJ, was one of the first well-known players from Rutgers. He led the team in rushing for three seasons and scored many points. Austin was later inducted into the Rutgers Football Hall of Fame and was an All-American in 1958.

1960s Alex Kroll joined Rutgers in the 1960s. He was a strong center and helped lead the team to a great season in 1961, earning an All-American award.

1970s The 1970s had many great players. JJ Jennings ran for many yards and led the nation in scoring in 1973. That same year, Rutgers had an undefeated season, with star defensive tackle Nate Toran earning All-American honors.

1980s Players from the 1980s helped Rutgers play against top teams. Deron Cherry and Ed McMichael were honored as All-Americans. Other standouts included Jim Dumont Sr., Tyronne Stowe, and Scott Erney.

1990s The early 1990s brought in talented running backs Bruce Presley and Terrell Willis, known as “Thunder and Lightning.” In 1994, tight end Marco Battaglia became a key player. Quarterback Mike McMahon left as Rutgers’ all-time passing leader.

2000s Running back Ray Rice became a major star, earning All-American honors and setting many school records. Wide receiver Kenny Britt and defensive back Devin McCourty also earned All-American mentions. Fullback Brian Leonard set several Rutgers records during his time there.

2010s Defensive back Logan Ryan was named All-Big East. Quarterback Gary Nova set many passing records at Rutgers. Running back Isiah Pacheco also set school records. Punter Adam Korsak became the NCAA’s all-time leader in punting yards and won the Ray Guy Award in 2022.

2020s Running back Kyle Monangai helped Rutgers rebuild, rushing for over 3,000 yards in his career and earning All-Big Ten honors in 2024.

Retired numbers

See also: List of NCAA football retired numbers

Scarlet Knights in the NFL

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights have had several players chosen in the first round of the NFL Draft. Notable selections include Anthony Davis by the San Francisco 49ers in 2010, Devin McCourty by the New England Patriots in 2010, and Kenny Britt by the Tennessee Titans in 2009. In more recent years, Max Melton was chosen by the Arizona Cardinals in 2024, and Isiah Pacheco was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2022.

As of April 30, 2026, 15 former Scarlet Knights are playing in the NFL for various teams. These players continue to represent Rutgers on the professional stage.

Local media coverage

Rutgers has an agreement with SportsNet New York to show football programming during the season. Before joining the Big Ten, their games were shown by ESPN Plus.

Football games are broadcast on the Rutgers Football Radio Network, with WFAN-AM/FM in New York as the main station. As of 2023, Chris Carlin provides play-by-play commentary. Former Rutgers quarterback Mike Teel analyzes home games, while Julian Pinnix-Odrick analyzes away games. Anthony Fucilli reports from the sidelines, and Marc Malusis hosts studio segments with Eric LeGrand as co-analyst.

Inside Rutgers Football is the coach’s show for Rutgers University’s football team. It began in the 2001 season and is hosted by WNBC’s Bruce Beck, featuring the team’s head coach.

Future non-conference opponents

Here are the future non-conference opponents for the Rutgers Scarlet Knights football team, as announced on April 23, 2026.