Rutgers opens its 2026 college football season at home Thursday night against UMass, with both programs looking for better results after disappointing finishes a year ago. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET on Big Ten Network at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, New Jersey.
The Scarlet Knights finished 5-7 overall and 2-7 in Big Ten play last season, but their offense provided plenty of reasons for optimism. Rutgers averaged 28.7 points per game, its second-best mark of the Big Ten era, while setting a program record with 23.2 first downs per game and producing 4,885 total yards.
Two of the biggest pieces from that unit are back. Running back Antwan Raymond rushed for 1,241 yards last season and enters 2026 with 21 career rushing touchdowns, while wide receiver KJ Duff returns after a breakout year in which he topped 1,000 receiving yards and led the country with 22 contested catches.
Rutgers will have a new quarterback distributing the ball to those weapons. Dylan Lonergan earned the starting job after transferring from Boston College, where he threw for 2,025 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2025. Lonergan originally began his college career at Alabama before moving to Boston College and now makes his Rutgers debut Thursday night.
UMass enters the opener trying to rebound from an 0-12 season in Joe Harasymiak‘s first year as head coach. The Minutemen struggled badly on offense, averaging only 11.1 points per game, and have overhauled the roster with 56 newcomers, including 30 transfers. Virginia Tech transfer William “Pop” Watson III is expected to lead the offense at quarterback.
Harasymiak is plenty familiar with the program waiting for him Thursday. He spent three seasons on Greg Schiano‘s Rutgers staff from 2022-24, including time as defensive coordinator, before leaving for the UMass job.
Rutgers has also made a habit of starting off strong under Schiano. The Scarlet Knights are 13-4 in season openers during his two tenures and have won each of their last six since Schiano returned to the program in 2020.
UMass vs. Rutgers Current Odds
The Scarlet Knights are listed as 29.5-point favorites over UMass ahead of kickoff at Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook:
- Point Spread: UMass +29.5 (-110) | Rutgers -29.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: UMass +1600 | Rutgers -7000
- Total: Over 52.5 (-115) | Under 52.5 (-105)
Referenced odds subject to change.
Best Bet for UMass vs. Rutgers
Rutgers -29.5 (-110): Rutgers has consistently handled its business outside the Big Ten since Schiano returned to Piscataway, going 14-4 against the spread in nonconference games since 2020. That track record becomes even more convincing when looking at some of the most lopsided matchups on the Scarlet Knights’ recent schedules.
Rutgers beat Wagner 66-7 in 2022 and 52-3 in 2023, then defeated Howard 44-7 in 2024 and Norfolk State 60-10 last season. The Scarlet Knights were favored by more than 30 points in each of those four games and still managed to cover the number each time.
Thursday presents another opportunity for Schiano’s team to overwhelm an overmatched nonconference opponent. UMass went winless last season and finished 3-9 against the spread, while Rutgers brings back two of its most productive offensive players in Raymond and Duff. Even with Lonergan making his first start for the program, he inherits an offense that averaged nearly 29 points per game a year ago.
The Scarlet Knights should have opportunities to build a sizable lead, and their recent history in these spots backs that up. We’ll take Rutgers -29.5 (-110) in Thursday night’s opener.
Betting Splits at Hard Rock Bet
Hard Rock Bet players are fairly divided on picking tonight’s massive point spread:
- Moneyline: Rutgers has attracted 89.2% of all tickets and 88.9% of the handle.
- Spread: UMass +29.5 is drawing 51.0% of the bets and 52.3% of the money.
- Total: Over 51.5 has received 65.8% of all wagers and 75.9% of the dollars.
UMass vs. Rutgers Game Info
- 🏟️ Location: SHI Stadium – Piscataway, New Jersey
- 📅 Date: Thursday, September 3
- ⏰ Start Time: 6 p.m. ET
- 📺 Where to Watch: Big Ten Network
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