The 2026 Rutgers football schedule opens at home against UMass on September 3 at 6:00 p.m. ET. The Rutgers Scarlet Knights face 12 regular-season games plus a potential Big Ten Championship appearance, with a mid-October bye and high-profile home dates against ranked USC, Indiana and Michigan.
SHI Stadium hosts seven home dates on the 2026 Rutgers Scarlet Knights Football schedule. The toughest stretch lands in late October and early November with a home date against ranked Michigan followed by a road trip to Wisconsin.
2026 Rutgers Football Schedule
| Date | Logo | Opponent | Time | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday | UMass MinutemenSHI Stadium, Piscataway, NJ | 6:00pm ETBTN | ||
| Friday | at Boston College EaglesAlumni Stadium, Chestnut Hill, MA | 7:30pm ETESPN2 | ||
| Saturday | 14 USC TrojansSHI Stadium, Piscataway, NJ | 3:30pm ETCBS/Paramount+ | ||
| Friday | Howard BisonSHI Stadium, Piscataway, NJ | 7:00pm ETBTN | ||
| Saturday | 6 Indiana HoosiersSHI Stadium, Piscataway, NJ | 8:00pm ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | OFF | |||
| Saturday | at Maryland TerrapinsSECU Stadium, College Park, MD | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | at Northwestern WildcatsRyan Field, Evanston, IL | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | 16 Michigan WolverinesSHI Stadium, Piscataway, NJ | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | at Wisconsin BadgersCamp Randall Stadium, Madison, WI | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | Nebraska CornhuskersSHI Stadium, Piscataway, NJ | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | at 18 Penn State Nittany LionsBeaver Stadium, University Park, PA | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | Michigan State SpartansSHI Stadium, Piscataway, NJ | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | vs Big Ten ChampionshipLucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN | 8:00pm ETFOX |
How the 2026 Rutgers Football Schedule Sets Up
September opens with a mix of home and road games on the 2026 Rutgers Scarlet Knights Football schedule. UMass at home, a Friday night road trip to Boston College, #14 USC at home on CBS/Paramount+, and Howard at home. That early stretch mixes manageable dates with a ranked home contest.
October brings #6 Indiana at home, the bye week, a road trip to Maryland, and a road game at Northwestern. The ranked home date against Indiana is a key mid-season measuring stick.
November features #16 Michigan at home, a road trip to Wisconsin, Nebraska at home, a road game at #18 Penn State, and Michigan State at home. That final stretch will decide seeding for a possible Big Ten Championship appearance.
Home Games at SHI Stadium
Seven home dates appear on the 2026 Rutgers football schedule:
- September 3 vs. UMass
- September 19 vs. #14 USC
- September 25 vs. Howard
- October 3 vs. #6 Indiana
- October 31 vs. #16 Michigan
- November 14 vs. Nebraska
- November 28 vs. Michigan State
The USC, Indiana and Michigan games will generate the strongest crowds in Piscataway.
The Games That Decide the Season
Three contests stand out on the 2026 Rutgers football schedule.
The September 19 home game against #14 USC is an early Big Ten measuring stick. The October 3 home date against #6 Indiana is a key ranked test. The October 31 home game against #16 Michigan will likely decide late-season momentum.
Win two of those three and the Scarlet Knights stay in control of their path toward a possible December 5 Big Ten Championship appearance in Indianapolis.
Where to Watch Rutgers Scarlet Knights Football
Confirmed networks on the 2026 Rutgers football schedule:
- BTN (Sept. 3 vs. UMass and Sept. 25 vs. Howard)
- ESPN2 (Sept. 11 at Boston College)
- CBS/Paramount+ (Sept. 19 vs. USC)
- FOX (Dec. 5 Big Ten Championship)
Most remaining Big Ten games still list TV as TBA. Expect additional network assignments once the final slate is set.
Key Dates at a Glance
- Sept. 3 — Season opener vs. UMass, 6:00 p.m. ET, BTN
- Sept. 19 — #14 USC at home, 3:30 p.m. ET, CBS/Paramount+
- Oct. 3 — #6 Indiana at home, 8:00 p.m. ET
- Oct. 10 — Bye week
- Oct. 31 — #16 Michigan at home
- Dec. 5 — Potential Big Ten Championship in Indianapolis, 8:00 p.m. ET, FOX
The 2026 Rutgers football schedule opens with three early home games and builds toward ranked tests. November will decide everything.
FAQ
When does Rutgers open the 2026 season?
Rutgers opens the 2026 season at home against UMass on Thursday, September 3 at 6:00 p.m. ET on BTN.
How many home games do the Rutgers Scarlet Knights have in 2026?
The Scarlet Knights have seven home games at SHI Stadium on the 2026 Rutgers football schedule: UMass, #14 USC, Howard, #6 Indiana, #16 Michigan, Nebraska, and Michigan State.
Who do the Rutgers Scarlet Knights play on September 19?
On September 19 the Scarlet Knights host #14 USC at SHI Stadium at 3:30 p.m. ET on CBS/Paramount+.
What channel are Rutgers games on in 2026?
Confirmed networks include BTN, ESPN2, CBS/Paramount+, and FOX. Most Big Ten games remain TBA and will be assigned later in the year.
