Rutgers Football announces 2026 game themes

The 2026 Rutgers Football season is right around the corner and fans can start making their plans for the fall.

On Tuesday, the themes for the upcoming season were announced and there is plenty to look forward to.

The Scarlet Knights will host seven home games with promotions, including classics like Homecoming, fireworks, and the return of The Rutgers Boardwalk.

The full list of themes for 2026 includes:

• Thursday, Sept. 3 vs. UMass – Postgame Fireworks (Youth Sports Knight)

• Saturday, Sept. 19 vs. USC – New Jersey Day (Scarlet Out)

• Friday, Sept. 25 vs. Howard – Sir Henry’s Birthday Bash (R Community Day: Featuring Eric LeGrand’s A Walk to Believe)

• Saturday, Oct. 3 vs. Indiana: Homecoming & Family Weekend

• Saturday, Oct. 31 vs. Michigan: Halloween On the Banks

• Saturday, Nov. 14 vs. Nebraska: Military Appreciation

• Saturday, Nov. 28 vs. Michigan State: Holiday Fest (Senior Day)

Thursday, Sept. 3 vs. UMass – Postgame Fireworks (Youth Sports Knight)

Saturday, Sept. 19 vs. USC – New Jersey Day (Scarlet Out)

Friday, Sept. 25 vs. Howard – Sir Henry’s Birthday Bash (R Community Day: Featuring Eric LeGrand’s A Walk to Believe)

Saturday, Oct. 3 vs. Indiana: Homecoming & Family Weekend

Saturday, Oct. 31 vs. Michigan: Halloween On the Banks

Saturday, Nov. 14 vs. Nebraska: Military Appreciation

Saturday, Nov. 28 vs. Michigan State: Holiday Fest (Senior Day)

Rutgers has two major home games in the month of October beginning with reigning National Champion Indiana coming to town. This will be homecoming weekend. On the final weekend of the month, Michigan comes to Piscataway on Halloween and fans can enjoy a holiday-themed day with different contests.

The beginning of the season is just eight weeks from Thursday as Rutgers will host UMass on Sept. 3.