Here is where Rutgers football ranks nationally ahead of 2025 season
There seems to be a consensus around Rutgers among them.
The Scarlet Knights are ranked between 61st and 65th nationally by a quartet of national outlets ahead of the college football season, which officially kicks off with Week 0 action this weekend. Rutgers opens its campaign next Thursday, when it hosts Ohio.
A pair of ESPN computer rankings are a bit higher on head coach Greg Schiano's program, which looks to earn a third consecutive bowl bid while facing one of the toughest schedules in college football this fall.
Here is where Rutgers ranks nationally ahead of the 2025 season:
ESPN's Football Power Index (FPI): 42nd.
The FPI gives Rutgers a 74.2% chance of winning six games and notching its third consecutive bowl bid despite having the 21st-hardest schedule in FBS football this season.
ESPN's SP+ rankings: 47th.
The SP+ rates Rutgers' schedule as the 16th-hardest in college football, estimates the Scarlet Knights will get 5.9 wins and says they rank eighth nationally in overall returning production (71%) and third nationally in returning offensive production (81%).
The Massey Ratings: 51st.
These rating account for 44 different polls.
The Associated Press: Rutgers did not receive any votes in the preseason Top 25 poll.
The Athletic: 65th.
The offense returns a bevy of experience but not workhorse running back Kyle Monangai.
FOX: 62nd.
Greg Schiano returns 22 players from his two-deep last year, 10 of whom were starters. And, believe me, he's going to need that depth come October. Don't look now, but Rutgers has put together back-to-back winning seasons for the first time as Big Ten members.
While the loss of Kyle Monangai will be felt, Florida Atlantic transfer CJ Campbell rushed for 844 yards and 11 touchdowns last year. Antwan Raymond was serviceable with just over 450 yards on the ground for Rutgers last year. Athan Kaliakmanis has two years as a starter at Minnesota and Rutgers and while he's not likely to throw for 4,000 yards, he's an experienced field general capable of throwing for 3,000 and 25 touchdowns.
The problem for Rutgers is the whole second half of their schedule, which features Oregon, at Illinois, at Ohio State and at Penn State. Assuming the Scarlet Knights begin 3-0 with wins against Ohio, Miami (Ohio) and Norfolk State, they'll need to find ways to claw three wins from some combination of Iowa, at Minnesota, at Purdue, at Washington and Maryland.
CBS: 63rd.
Sporting News: 61st.
Season rankings
Check back every Monday for updated rankings and a season-long look how Rutgers fared in the polls.
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Brian Fonseca may be reached at bfonseca@njadvancemedia.com.
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