Rutgers University football is gearing up for a pivotal 2026 campaign in Piscataway, N.J. After a 5-7 record in 2025, the Scarlet Knights are counting on the return of key playmakers and a fresh quarterback contest to jump‑start the season.
Quarterback competition takes center stage
For the first time in three seasons, coach Greg Schiano faces a true quarterback battle. Sophomore AJ Surace, who knows Schiano’s ball‑control system but saw only nine pass attempts last year, is vying against transfer Dylan Lonergan from Boston College, who posted more than 2,000 passing yards at his former school. Both quarterbacks are eager to earn the starting role and lead the offense.
Star offensive weapons back on the field
Regardless of which quarterback wins the nod, the offense will benefit from the return of its leading rusher and top receiver. Junior running back Antwan Raymond, who rushed for 1,241 yards and 13 touchdowns as a starter last season, is back to provide a strong ground game. Wide receiver KJ Duff, a 6‑foot‑6 senior who caught 60 passes for 1,084 yards and seven touchdowns in 2025, also returns, giving Schiano a proven 1,000‑yard receiver for the second consecutive year.
Offensive line and special teams remain solid
The offensive line retains depth and experience, anchored by left tackle Tyler Needham and right guard Kwabena Asamoah. Their stability helped produce a 3,000‑yard passer, a 1,000‑yard rusher and a 1,000‑yard receiver in 2025 – a rare achievement in program history. Special teams also stay consistent, with punter Jakob Anderson returning after averaging 44.2 yards on 33 punts and place‑kicker Jai Patel, a four‑year starter, remaining reliable inside the 50‑yard range.
Defensive overhaul aims to reverse steep decline
The defense, which allowed 35 or more points in six of nine conference games last season and ranked 125th nationally in total defense, is undergoing a major revamp. Schiano hired Travis Johansen, former head coach at South Dakota, as the new defensive coordinator. Former Drake head coach Joe Woodley joins as rush‑ends coach, and Dennis Dottin‑Carter takes over the defensive line after three years at Minnesota.
Only three projected starters remain on the defensive side – defensive tackle Zaire Angoy, linebacker Abram Wright and safety Kaj Sanders. To bolster the line, Schiano added Toledo defensive end Malachi Davis, Tulsa defensive end J’Dan Burnett and Temple defensive lineman Sekou Kromah. The new additions aim to improve a unit that recorded just 11 sacks, the second‑lowest total in the nation.
Schedule and early goals
Rutgers opens the season with two non‑conference games against UMass and Boston College. Winning those matchups is crucial, as the schedule then features visits from powerhouses USC, Michigan and Indiana at SHI Stadium. The team also hopes to improve its road performance after a 1‑4 away record last fall.
Financial context and recruiting
Rutgers operates with a modest NIL (name, image, likeness) budget compared with larger Big Ten programs. University president William F. Tate IV and athletic director Keli Zinn, both former LSU administrators, stress the need for continued fundraising to keep the Scarlet Knights competitive in the conference.
Additional roster notes include freshman wide receiver Dyzier Carter from Virginia, transfer defensive end Malachi Davis from Toledo, and transfer linebacker Ty Morris from Rice. Departures this offseason feature quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis heading to the NFL, wide receiver Ian Strong transferring to Cal, and several undrafted free agents such as offensive lineman Gus Zilinskas and defensive end Eric O’Neill.
Looking ahead
With the quarterback battle, the return of Raymond and Duff, and a revamped defensive staff, Rutgers hopes to reverse its recent fortunes and secure a bowl invitation for the first time since the 2024 season. Fans in Piscataway and across New Jersey will be watching closely as the Scarlet Knights aim to re‑establish themselves as a competitive force in the Big Ten.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
