5 Best Chances For Rutgers Football To Pull Off Upset In 2026

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That one big statement victory has eluded Rutgers in recent years.

The Scarlet Knights will enter the fall having not beaten a team ranked in the AP Top 25 since 2009 — a victory against No. 23 South Florida. Rutgers has lost its last 43 games against ranked opponents.

Rutgers will have chances to break that streak this season. Even if the team is not ranked, there will be other chances to earn an upset win in Big Ten play.

The Scarlet Knights open the season as a big favorite against UMass at SHI Stadium. The non-conference schedule features three games that Rutgers will likely be favored in — UMass, Boston College, and Howard.

There will also be swing games for Rutgers with Maryland, Northwestern, and Michigan State. The line is not out on any of these games, but regardless, a win would not be considered some great upset.

This leaves six chances for Rutgers to pull off a Big Ten upset:

5. 10/3 vs. Indiana

This would fall under the “no chance” category regardless of where this game is played. The Hoosiers lost a lot of production from last year’s National Championship team, but Curt Cignetti has reloaded and has Indiana in place to be a Top 5 team this season.

4. 10/31 vs. Michigan, 11/21 at Penn State

Both of these games are basically in the same category as Indiana but the Hoosiers deserve their own slot after winning a title last year. Michigan and Penn State will both welcome new head coaches in the fall. Rutgers has not beaten Penn State since joining the Big Ten and have not been fortunate against the Wolverines either. It would be a big, big surprise to upset either team, who have a chance to be in the Top 15 to begin the year.

3. 9/19 vs. USC

Week 3, early in the season, first game in the Big Ten and it’s being played at home. It would be a perfect situation to pull off an upset but the Trojans are a dangerous team this season. USC returns the most starters in the nation this year. This includes quarterback, two running backs, and a full group of offensive lineman. Lincoln Riley will have this team ready for bigger and better things and a loss to Rutgers would not look good on the resume.

2. 11/7 at Wisconsin

What exactly is Wisconsin this season? Luke Fickell’s seat continues to get hotter and hotter. He was brought here to take this program to the next level and instead, Wisconsin has taken steps back. After a 4-8 season, the Badgers are searching for answers this year. A trip to Camp Randall is never easy but Wisconsin has not been able to find an identity. The team needs to get back to power football, ground and pound, and get behind the offensive line.

1. 11/14 vs. Nebraska

It’s time for Nebraska to take a step with Matt Rhule running the show. Will that happen? That is yet to be seen. Nebraska finished 7-6 in 2025. The Huskers added multiple transfers that are expected to help right away. But when you look at the schedule, could Rutgers catch Nebraska sleeping?

The Huskers finish the season with four road games over the last six. This game is sandwiched between a trip to Champaign to take on Illinois and a return home against Ohio State. It is not an easy finish to the season for Nebraska and this game could be the only one where it is favored. If Rutgers catches Nebraska in a letdown spot, maybe an upset can come.

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