The Scarlet Knights have experienced up-and-down expectations over recent years as fans hope to see a better product on the field.
Heading into the 2026 campaign, it feels like there is no up, especially from the national media.
In a recent power ranking of the Big Ten done by Michael Cohen of Fox Sports, Rutgers came in at No. 16. The Scarlet Knights were ahead of just Purdue and Michigan State.
“Drastically different conference and college football backdrops have made it significantly tougher for head coach Greg Schiano to find his footing amid this second stint with the Scarlet Knights. Back-to-back winning seasons in 2023 and 2024 largely papered over the fact that Rutgers, which joined the Big Ten more than a decade ago, still hasn’t produced a winning record in league play.”
“Drastically different conference and college football backdrops have made it significantly tougher for head coach Greg Schiano to find his footing amid this second stint with the Scarlet Knights. Back-to-back winning seasons in 2023 and 2024 largely papered over the fact that Rutgers, which joined the Big Ten more than a decade ago, still hasn’t produced a winning record in league play.”
Rutgers finished 5-7 last season with just two wins in Big Ten play. The team saw a jump offensively as Athan Kaliakmanis, now with the Washington Commanders, brought the forward pass back to Piscataway. KJ Duff has emerged as one of the top receivers in the conference and is back once again.
So, is this ranking accurate? If the defense does not improve, it will be accurate.
Rutgers ranked dead last in the Big Ten allowing 432.8 yards per game last season. It was also T-17th in the conference with 31.8 points allowed per game. This led to Rutgers ending the experience of co-defensive coordinators Robb Smith and Zach Sparber.
The Scarlet Knights brought in Travis Johansen to be the new defensive coordinator this season. The ultimate goal for the team is to return to bowl season. To get to six wins, the defense must make a big jump to improve.
