Rutgers hosts UMass for 2026 season opener at SHI Stadium

Rutgers begins its 2026 college football season tonight at 6 p.m. by hosting UMass at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, New Jersey. The Scarlet Knights enter the matchup as 29.5-point favorites against a Minutemen squad that finished last season with an 0-12 record. Rutgers debuts Dylan Lonergan as the team's new signal-caller while looking to integrate key returning offensive players and a revamped defensive unit. Staff projections from OnTheBanks anticipate a comfortable victory for the Scarlet Knights, with expectations of significant playing time for reserves like Surace, Sean Ashenfelder, and Antwan Raymond in the second half. The game marks the return of Joe Harasymiak to the sideline as a visiting coach. This matchup serves as an opportunity for Rutgers to establish early momentum before shifting focus to the remainder of their schedule.

• 3:00 PMYahoo Sports — OTB Staff Picks Rutgers vs UMass