Overview
- The Scarlet Knights host the FCS Howard Bison at SHI Stadium on Friday, Sept. 25, 2026, with kickoff set for 7:00 p.m. ET and coverage on the Big Ten Network.
- Rutgers enters 0-3 after a close 42-35 loss to No. 12 USC while Howard is 1-2 coming off a 55-0 loss at No. 5 Indiana.
- Betting markets list Rutgers about 42–43 points clear, reflecting wide expectations of a lopsided Rutgers win and an opportunity to play backups late.
- Offense has bright spots for Rutgers: QB Dylan Lonergan has 494 passing yards and five TDs and WR KJ Duff has 24 catches for 419 yards and six scores, while Howard’s Ja’Shawn Scroggins has 467 yards and four TDs.
- Beyond the likely mismatch, the key storyline is Rutgers’ defense giving up 107 points in three games and the need to shore up tackling and coverage before conference play resumes.