Saturday, September 19
Piscataway, N.J.
3:30 PM
Rutgers
vs
USC
Photo by: Ben Solomon
Game 3: Football vs. No. 12 USC
Sep 14 | Football
New Jersey Day (Scarlet Out)
RUTGERS (0-2) vs. No. 12 USC (3-0)
September 19, 2026 • 3:30 p.m. ET • CBS
SHI Stadium • Piscataway, N.J.
PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Rutgers football returns home Saturday to open Big Ten play against No. 12 USC in a game presented by Motorola Solutions. Kickoff at SHI Stadium is set for 3:30 p.m. on CBS. Fans are encouraged to wear red as part of the Scarlet Out.
Celebrating New Jersey Day, North, Central and South Jersey t-shirts will be available for purchase inside SHI Stadium and on The Rutgers Boardwalk to represent your region. Stay tuned at halftime as The Marching Scarlet Knights, youth groups from across the state and Youth Spirit Day participants perform a New Jersey-themed show.
Guests are advised to review Football Game Day Central before arriving.
This weekend marks recognition of the 20th anniversary of the 2006 Rutgers football team, which achieved a ranking as high as No. 7 nationally and went 11-2 with the program's first bowl championship. The season featured "Pandemonium in Piscataway" following a 28-25 home victory over No. 3 Louisville.
The Rutgers Boardwalk, presented by Visit New Jersey, returns for year five to highlight the pregame festivities around SHI Stadium. The fun on Scarlet Knight Way begins at 11 a.m. and is free for all fans to enjoy. Check out the top food trucks in New Jersey, plus free rides, mini golf, petting zoos, pony rides, prizes and live entertainment. Get to The Rutgers Boardwalk early for the pregame parade and pep rally featuring The Marching Scarlet Knights, Spirit Team, our mascot "Sir Henry," the Scarlet Knight horse "Excalibur" with the Knight and the Scarlet Walk.
Rutgers Athletics is proud to announce the launch of R Guest Services, a new game day unit dedicated to providing exceptional support and assistance to fans attending Scarlet Knights sporting events. R Guest Services has been established to enhance the overall fan experience by serving as a visible, approachable resource throughout athletic venues on game day. Team members will be stationed strategically across venues to answer questions, provide directions and information, assist with guest needs and respond to customer concerns in real time. A new helpline will be available to fans to report issues and receive assistance in venue when they text "KNIGHTS" to 69050 on game days. The R Guest Services staff can also be reached via email at guestservices@scarletknights.com.
Fans will see an improved entry process at SHI Stadium with additional screening and ticket scanners throughout. Visitors will be directed to access optimal gates. Through the feedback received from postgame surveys completed by season ticket holders, fans and guests, the following adjustments will continue to remain in place:
• Fans are permitted to enter stadium gates with an approved bag.
• All students must enter the stadium through the South Gate (G&H).
• A full list of approved bag sizes and dimensions is available here. An exception will be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection.
• Lockers for a $12 fee are located in Athletes Glen across from North Gate (C&D) and South Gate (G&H).
Fans are advised to arrive early to ensure a smooth entry into the stadium before kickoff. The walk-through weapons detection system, familiar to spectators who have attended other events in the region, does not require individuals to empty their pockets to enter. Those attending the event are asked to follow the instructions of public safety personnel.
Third-party experts Populous and WSP conducted an extensive review of traffic patterns and parking, and pedestrian flow last season. As a result of those findings, fans will see an improved process for ingress and egress at the parking lots and gates at SHI Stadium. Traffic flows have been modified to direct vehicles into the most optimal routes for respective parking lots when leaving the stadium postgame.
Parking lots are set to open five hours prior to kickoff. Game day lots at Jersey Mike's Arena cost $32 per car (tax included). Johnson Park is no longer a parking option.
Rutgers will operate a courtesy shuttle on the Busch campus to serve fans parking in the outer lots. Shuttle bus pickup begins three hours before kickoff between the Purple and Black Lots on the corner of Brett Road and Bartholomew Road, and it will drop fans off near Athletes Glen. The shuttle will run for one hour following the game. Rutgers will continue to provide ADA shuttle service as in years past with pickup locations at Jersey Mike's Arena, the Busch Student Center and Lot 53. Click here for more information on complimentary shuttles available on game day. Additionally, ridesharing apps offer fans another safe and reliable option to travel to and from SHI Stadium. The Light Blue Lot (Taylor Road, Piscataway NJ 08854) is designated as the drop-off and pick-up location on game day.
TV: CBS (Paramount+)
Play-by-Play: Brad Nessler
Analyst: Charles Davis
Reporter: Jenny Dell
Radio: RWJBarnabas Health Rutgers Sports Network
WFAN 660-AM/101.9-FM, FOX Sports New Jersey 93.5-FM/1450-AM, SiriusXM 271, SXM app, Audacy app, Scarlet Knights app
Play-by-Play: Chris Carlin
Analyst: Eric LeGrand
Analyst: Mike Teel
Sideline: Anthony Fucilli
Engineer: Paul Shrager
Pre/Post: Marc Malusis & Gus Zilinskas
Student Radio: WRSU 88.7-FM
Will Carmenaty, Chase Jacoby & Makali Pennycooke
• WR KJ Duff is one of four players tied for the nation's lead with five receiving touchdowns, while ranking second with 333 receiving yards and tied for sixth with 17 receptions.
• OL Kwabena Asamoah and RB Antwan Raymond join Duff Jr. as preseason All-America picks, giving the Scarlet Knights three such selections for the first time since 2008.
• Since 2020, Rutgers is 20-3 when not committing a turnover in a game.
• Rutgers has scored 66 non-offensive touchdowns under head coach Greg Schiano, including 15 since 2020 and three last season.
• Rutgers has blocked 76 kicks (46 punts, 17 field goals, 13 extra points) under Schiano, including three blocked punts returned for touchdowns last season.
• Rutgers has at least one NFL Draft pick each of the past five years, matching a program record also done from 1981-85.
• Rutgers, "The Birthplace of College Football," has played 1,436 games in program history, dating back to 1869, the most in the sport.
• Rutgers turned a 17-0 deficit into a 20-14 game late in the third quarter, but Boston College answered and held on for a 28-21 win at Alumni Stadium. The game took place on the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001.
• WR KJ Duff recorded eight receptions for 137 yards and two scores, while RB Antwan Raymond rushed for 134 yards on 27 carries with a receiving touchdown. QB AJ Surace threw three touchdown passes and tallied 230 yards through the air in his first collegiate start.
• LB Moses Walker picked up two interceptions and a sack, as DB Bradlee Jones forced a fumble recovered by DB Kevyn Humes.
• Kirk Ciarrocca is in his fourth season back as Rutgers' offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach in 2026. Ciarrocca, who has over 30 years of coaching experience (22 as an offensive coordinator), previously served on head coach Greg Schiano's staff for three seasons, winning two bowl games from 2008-10. He has been selected as a semifinalist for the Broyles Award and coached 29 players who had their name called in the NFL Draft (six in the first round). Ciarrocca has mentored a first or second team All-Big Ten running back each of the past four seasons, as the Scarlet Knights are the only power conference program to feature a 1,200-yard rusher each of the past three seasons. In 2025, the RU offense produced three All-America selections.
• QB Dylan Lonergan and QB AJ Surace have combined for 549 passing yards and six touchdowns through two games.
• RB Antwan Raymond owns 1,874 career rushing yards on 385 carries, including six games with at least 100 yards. The Canadian has 21 career rushing touchdowns, two shy of moving into the program's top-10 career list.
• WR KJ Duff is the first Rutgers wide receiver in program history to record at least 120 receiving yards in three consecutive games, posting 127 in the 2025 season finale against Penn State, 196 in the season opener against UMass and 137 last week at Boston College. Duff Jr. is up to 104 career receptions for 1,842 yards and 13 touchdowns in 27 games played.
• Travis Johansen is in his first season as Rutgers' defensive coordinator in 2026. Leading South Dakota to the FCS Playoffs quarterfinals in his first season as head coach in 2025 and previously winning a national championship at Grand View, the Minnesota native has directed six top-10 defenses in bringing 14 years of defensive coordinator experience to New Jersey. Johansen has produced 16 defensive players who have gone on to be drafted in the NFL, signed as a free agent or received camp invites in his coaching career.
• Rutgers is 56-8 under head coach Greg Schiano when allowing fewer than 300 yards of total offense.
• DL Rondo Porter recorded six tackles with one for loss in his debut for the Scarlet Knights.
• LB Moses Walker recorded two interceptions and a sack at Boston College.
• DB Kaj Sanders has totaled 109 career tackles, adding two blocked punts in 2025.
• Rutgers has blocked 76 kicks (46 punts, 17 field goals, 13 extra points) under head coach Greg Schiano, including three blocked punts returned for touchdowns last season.
• PK Dane Pizzaro earned the starting placekicker job over the offseason and converted all six extra points this season.
• P Jakob Anderson has forced a fair catch on 48-of-88 career attempts with 13 punts of at least 50 yards and 26 downed inside the 20.
• PK Jack Scullion has booted 72-of-144 career kickoffs for a touchback.
• Rutgers will host USC for the first time in the second meeting between the programs.
• Athan Kaliakmanis found Christian Dremel for a 25-yard passing touchdown and the Scarlet Knights scored a two-point conversion to make it a 28-20 game with 8:11 left in the third quarter, but USC answered with two touchdowns to take a 42-20 win in the 2024 matchup at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The game started at 11:01 p.m. ET.
• The offense posted 434 yards, went 11-for-22 on third down and held the ball for 36:28 in running 89 plays. The 89 snaps are the most for the Scarlet Knights in a Big Ten game.
• Kaliakmanis finished with 27 completions and 313 passing yards in the game.
• Dymere Miller matched his career high with 11 catches while totaling 131 receiving yards. It marked the first time a Scarlet Knight had at least 10 receptions in a game since Mohamed Sanu (13) at Army in 2011.
• Kyle Monangai rushed for 86 yards, while RB Antwan Raymond posted his third rushing touchdown of the year.
• Shaquan Loyal and Tyreem Powell each posted six tackles, while Eric Rogers forced a fumble.
• Rutgers game highs versus USC:
Rushing Yards: Kyle Monangai, 86 (2024)
Passing Yards: Athan Kaliakmanis, 313 (2024)
Receiving Yards: Dymere Miller, 131 (2024)
• Rutgers continues its three-game homestand hosting Howard Friday, Sept. 25, presented by GGL Injury Lawyers. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. on Big Ten Network.
Follow Rutgers football on X (@RFootball & @RUboardwalk), Facebook (/RFootballShow) and Instagram (@rfootball & @ruboardwalk) for the latest news and updates. Also subscribe to the YouTube channel.
September 19, 2026 • 3:30 p.m. ET • CBS
SHI Stadium • Piscataway, N.J.
PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Rutgers football returns home Saturday to open Big Ten play against No. 12 USC in a game presented by Motorola Solutions. Kickoff at SHI Stadium is set for 3:30 p.m. on CBS. Fans are encouraged to wear red as part of the Scarlet Out.
Celebrating New Jersey Day, North, Central and South Jersey t-shirts will be available for purchase inside SHI Stadium and on The Rutgers Boardwalk to represent your region. Stay tuned at halftime as The Marching Scarlet Knights, youth groups from across the state and Youth Spirit Day participants perform a New Jersey-themed show.
Guests are advised to review Football Game Day Central before arriving.
This weekend marks recognition of the 20th anniversary of the 2006 Rutgers football team, which achieved a ranking as high as No. 7 nationally and went 11-2 with the program's first bowl championship. The season featured "Pandemonium in Piscataway" following a 28-25 home victory over No. 3 Louisville.
The Rutgers Boardwalk, presented by Visit New Jersey, returns for year five to highlight the pregame festivities around SHI Stadium. The fun on Scarlet Knight Way begins at 11 a.m. and is free for all fans to enjoy. Check out the top food trucks in New Jersey, plus free rides, mini golf, petting zoos, pony rides, prizes and live entertainment. Get to The Rutgers Boardwalk early for the pregame parade and pep rally featuring The Marching Scarlet Knights, Spirit Team, our mascot "Sir Henry," the Scarlet Knight horse "Excalibur" with the Knight and the Scarlet Walk.
Rutgers Athletics is proud to announce the launch of R Guest Services, a new game day unit dedicated to providing exceptional support and assistance to fans attending Scarlet Knights sporting events. R Guest Services has been established to enhance the overall fan experience by serving as a visible, approachable resource throughout athletic venues on game day. Team members will be stationed strategically across venues to answer questions, provide directions and information, assist with guest needs and respond to customer concerns in real time. A new helpline will be available to fans to report issues and receive assistance in venue when they text "KNIGHTS" to 69050 on game days. The R Guest Services staff can also be reached via email at guestservices@scarletknights.com.
Fans will see an improved entry process at SHI Stadium with additional screening and ticket scanners throughout. Visitors will be directed to access optimal gates. Through the feedback received from postgame surveys completed by season ticket holders, fans and guests, the following adjustments will continue to remain in place:
• Fans are permitted to enter stadium gates with an approved bag.
• All students must enter the stadium through the South Gate (G&H).
• A full list of approved bag sizes and dimensions is available here. An exception will be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection.
• Lockers for a $12 fee are located in Athletes Glen across from North Gate (C&D) and South Gate (G&H).
Fans are advised to arrive early to ensure a smooth entry into the stadium before kickoff. The walk-through weapons detection system, familiar to spectators who have attended other events in the region, does not require individuals to empty their pockets to enter. Those attending the event are asked to follow the instructions of public safety personnel.
Third-party experts Populous and WSP conducted an extensive review of traffic patterns and parking, and pedestrian flow last season. As a result of those findings, fans will see an improved process for ingress and egress at the parking lots and gates at SHI Stadium. Traffic flows have been modified to direct vehicles into the most optimal routes for respective parking lots when leaving the stadium postgame.
Parking lots are set to open five hours prior to kickoff. Game day lots at Jersey Mike's Arena cost $32 per car (tax included). Johnson Park is no longer a parking option.
Rutgers will operate a courtesy shuttle on the Busch campus to serve fans parking in the outer lots. Shuttle bus pickup begins three hours before kickoff between the Purple and Black Lots on the corner of Brett Road and Bartholomew Road, and it will drop fans off near Athletes Glen. The shuttle will run for one hour following the game. Rutgers will continue to provide ADA shuttle service as in years past with pickup locations at Jersey Mike's Arena, the Busch Student Center and Lot 53. Click here for more information on complimentary shuttles available on game day. Additionally, ridesharing apps offer fans another safe and reliable option to travel to and from SHI Stadium. The Light Blue Lot (Taylor Road, Piscataway NJ 08854) is designated as the drop-off and pick-up location on game day.
TV: CBS (Paramount+)
Play-by-Play: Brad Nessler
Analyst: Charles Davis
Reporter: Jenny Dell
Radio: RWJBarnabas Health Rutgers Sports Network
WFAN 660-AM/101.9-FM, FOX Sports New Jersey 93.5-FM/1450-AM, SiriusXM 271, SXM app, Audacy app, Scarlet Knights app
Play-by-Play: Chris Carlin
Analyst: Eric LeGrand
Analyst: Mike Teel
Sideline: Anthony Fucilli
Engineer: Paul Shrager
Pre/Post: Marc Malusis & Gus Zilinskas
Student Radio: WRSU 88.7-FM
Will Carmenaty, Chase Jacoby & Makali Pennycooke
| SCOUTING RUTGERS |
• OL Kwabena Asamoah and RB Antwan Raymond join Duff Jr. as preseason All-America picks, giving the Scarlet Knights three such selections for the first time since 2008.
• Since 2020, Rutgers is 20-3 when not committing a turnover in a game.
• Rutgers has scored 66 non-offensive touchdowns under head coach Greg Schiano, including 15 since 2020 and three last season.
• Rutgers has blocked 76 kicks (46 punts, 17 field goals, 13 extra points) under Schiano, including three blocked punts returned for touchdowns last season.
• Rutgers has at least one NFL Draft pick each of the past five years, matching a program record also done from 1981-85.
• Rutgers, "The Birthplace of College Football," has played 1,436 games in program history, dating back to 1869, the most in the sport.
| LAST TIME OUT |
• WR KJ Duff recorded eight receptions for 137 yards and two scores, while RB Antwan Raymond rushed for 134 yards on 27 carries with a receiving touchdown. QB AJ Surace threw three touchdown passes and tallied 230 yards through the air in his first collegiate start.
• LB Moses Walker picked up two interceptions and a sack, as DB Bradlee Jones forced a fumble recovered by DB Kevyn Humes.
| OFFENSE |
• QB Dylan Lonergan and QB AJ Surace have combined for 549 passing yards and six touchdowns through two games.
• RB Antwan Raymond owns 1,874 career rushing yards on 385 carries, including six games with at least 100 yards. The Canadian has 21 career rushing touchdowns, two shy of moving into the program's top-10 career list.
• WR KJ Duff is the first Rutgers wide receiver in program history to record at least 120 receiving yards in three consecutive games, posting 127 in the 2025 season finale against Penn State, 196 in the season opener against UMass and 137 last week at Boston College. Duff Jr. is up to 104 career receptions for 1,842 yards and 13 touchdowns in 27 games played.
| DEFENSE |
• Rutgers is 56-8 under head coach Greg Schiano when allowing fewer than 300 yards of total offense.
• DL Rondo Porter recorded six tackles with one for loss in his debut for the Scarlet Knights.
• LB Moses Walker recorded two interceptions and a sack at Boston College.
• DB Kaj Sanders has totaled 109 career tackles, adding two blocked punts in 2025.
| SPECIAL TEAMS |
• PK Dane Pizzaro earned the starting placekicker job over the offseason and converted all six extra points this season.
• P Jakob Anderson has forced a fair catch on 48-of-88 career attempts with 13 punts of at least 50 yards and 26 downed inside the 20.
• PK Jack Scullion has booted 72-of-144 career kickoffs for a touchback.
| VERSUS USC |
• Athan Kaliakmanis found Christian Dremel for a 25-yard passing touchdown and the Scarlet Knights scored a two-point conversion to make it a 28-20 game with 8:11 left in the third quarter, but USC answered with two touchdowns to take a 42-20 win in the 2024 matchup at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The game started at 11:01 p.m. ET.
• The offense posted 434 yards, went 11-for-22 on third down and held the ball for 36:28 in running 89 plays. The 89 snaps are the most for the Scarlet Knights in a Big Ten game.
• Kaliakmanis finished with 27 completions and 313 passing yards in the game.
• Dymere Miller matched his career high with 11 catches while totaling 131 receiving yards. It marked the first time a Scarlet Knight had at least 10 receptions in a game since Mohamed Sanu (13) at Army in 2011.
• Kyle Monangai rushed for 86 yards, while RB Antwan Raymond posted his third rushing touchdown of the year.
• Shaquan Loyal and Tyreem Powell each posted six tackles, while Eric Rogers forced a fumble.
• Rutgers game highs versus USC:
Rushing Yards: Kyle Monangai, 86 (2024)
Passing Yards: Athan Kaliakmanis, 313 (2024)
Receiving Yards: Dymere Miller, 131 (2024)
| UP NEXT |
Follow Rutgers football on X (@RFootball & @RUboardwalk), Facebook (/RFootballShow) and Instagram (@rfootball & @ruboardwalk) for the latest news and updates. Also subscribe to the YouTube channel.
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