UMass football prepares for season opener against Rutgers

college football Rutgers Scarlet Knights UMass Minutemen Big Ten MAC

The UMass Minutemen are set to open their 2026 football season against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights on Thursday, September 3, at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, New Jersey.

UMass head coach Joe Harasymiak, who previously served as the defensive coordinator for Rutgers, enters his second year with the program. Following a winless 0-12 campaign in 2025, Harasymiak has stated the team is focused on winning and competing for MAC championships. The Minutemen will be led by new quarterback William ‘Pop’ Watson III, a transfer from Virginia Tech.

Rutgers enters the matchup as a significant favorite, with betting lines placing the spread at approximately 29.5 to 30.5 points. The Scarlet Knights finished the previous season with a 5-7 record and declined a bowl invitation. Head coach Greg Schiano will lead the Big Ten program in his 18th season.

Entities

Greg Schiano · Rutgers Scarlet Knights

Sources

UMass football: Minutemen preparing for season-opener against Rutgers [atholdailynews.com]

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UMass vs Rutgers College Football Picks, Odds & Prediction for Thursday [www.predictem.com]

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Rutgers vs Massachusetts Prediction Football Picks Today 9/3/26 [sportschatplace.com]

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Deadspin | Rutgers determined to get defensive in opener vs. UMass [deadspin.com]

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