UMass and Rutgers college football matchup

The UMass Minutemen football team prepared for their 2026 season opener against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, entering the matchup as significant underdogs following a winless 0-12 campaign in 2025. Head coach Joe Harasymiak emphasized a focus on competing for MAC championships heading into the game at SHI Stadium.

In a historic upset on September 3, 2026, UMass defeated Rutgers 37-21, snapping a 16-game losing streak. Despite being 29.5-point underdogs, the Minutemen were led by transfer quarterback William ‘Pop’ Watson III, who completed 19 of 22 passes for 197 yards and three touchdowns, while adding 40 yards on the ground. Running backs Elijah Faulkner and Curtis Kimmons IV bolstered the offense, with Faulkner recording two receiving touchdowns and Kimmons adding a rushing score. Joseph Griffin Jr. also contributed to the scoring.

The UMass defense forced five turnovers, including three interceptions of Rutgers quarterback Dylan Lonergan, and recorded four sacks. The Minutemen also outrushed Rutgers 200-30, building a 24-7 halftime lead that they maintained to secure their first win against a Power 4 conference opponent since joining the FBS. Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano expressed shock at the result, stating he ‘never saw it coming’ and admitting his team was ‘outcoached and outplayed.’

The matchup was also notable for its financial context, as Rutgers had reportedly paid UMass $1.55 million to host the game. Following the loss, the defeat has drawn political scrutiny in New Jersey, with members of the state Assembly GOP highlighting the discrepancy between the athletic outcome and the state’s multi-million dollar budget allocations for university marketing and events.