Introduction: The Question Every Scarlet Knights Fan Is Asking
Every college football season sparks the same question from fans across New Jersey and beyond: “Is Rutgers football ranked?” As the Scarlet Knights continue to rebuild their identity in the powerhouse Big Ten Conference, the conversation around their ranking status has become increasingly relevant.
While Rutgers football may not currently sit among the Top 25 teams in national polls, the program’s trajectory, coaching strategies, and recruiting efforts reveal a story of resilience, ambition, and steady growth.
This article dives deep into Rutgers’ current ranking situation, past performances, and the roadmap that could soon make the Scarlet Knights one of college football’s most exciting comeback stories.
Is Rutgers Football Ranked Right Now?
As of the latest Associated Press (AP) Top 25 and Coaches Poll, Rutgers football is not ranked nationally.
Despite a competitive record this season (hovering around .500 in conference and non-conference play), Rutgers has not yet achieved the national recognition required for poll inclusion. The Big Ten East is one of the most challenging divisions in college football, featuring heavyweights like Michigan, Ohio State, and Penn State — programs that routinely dominate the top of national rankings.
However, Rutgers’ consistent improvement under Head Coach Greg Schiano is undeniable. The Scarlet Knights are no longer an easy matchup; they are disciplined, physical, and capable of upsetting ranked opponents — traits that often precede a future breakthrough in national polls.
A Brief History of Rutgers Football Rankings
To understand where Rutgers stands today, it helps to look at where they’ve been.
Early History and the Birth of College Football
Rutgers University holds a unique place in football history. In 1869, Rutgers played Princeton in what is recognized as the first college football game ever. That historic matchup gave Rutgers the nickname “The Birthplace of College Football.”
Yet, despite its historical significance, Rutgers did not evolve into a perennial powerhouse. Decades of inconsistency, coaching changes, and conference realignments left the team searching for stability.
The Schiano Era: First Rise to Prominence
The first major rise in Rutgers’ modern football era came during Greg Schiano’s first tenure (2001–2011). Under his leadership:
Rutgers reached its first national ranking in 2006, climbing as high as No. 7 in the AP Poll after an unforgettable upset over then-No. 3 Louisville.
The Scarlet Knights finished the 2006 season with an 11–2 record and a Texas Bowl victory.
During this period, Rutgers became a consistent bowl team, appearing in six bowl games and achieving five postseason wins.
That golden era showcased what Rutgers could become — a respected program capable of competing with the best.
The Struggles After Schiano
After Schiano’s departure for the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2012, Rutgers football entered a period of decline.
Multiple coaching changes disrupted recruiting pipelines.
The transition to the Big Ten Conference (2014) brought fierce competition.
Seasons with losing records and blowout losses became common headlines.
Between 2014 and 2019, Rutgers failed to maintain stability, leading many fans to question whether the Scarlet Knights could survive in the Big Ten environment.
The Schiano Return: A Rebuilding Phase
Rutgers fans rejoiced when Greg Schiano returned in 2019 to lead the program once again. His mission was clear: rebuild Rutgers football from the ground up.
Since his return:
Recruiting classes have improved significantly, drawing top in-state talent back to New Jersey.
Defensive intensity has returned, with the team showing toughness reminiscent of Schiano’s first tenure.
Cultural change is evident — players are more disciplined, competitive, and motivated to restore pride in the “Block R.”
Although the wins haven’t yet vaulted Rutgers into the Top 25, the foundation for sustained success is being built.
How College Football Rankings Work
To understand why Rutgers isn’t ranked, we need to briefly examine how college football rankings operate.
1. The AP Top 25 Poll
Voted on by sportswriters and broadcasters, the AP Poll ranks the top 25 FBS teams each week based on:
Win–loss record
Strength of schedule
Quality of wins (especially vs. ranked opponents)
Overall team performance and perception
2. Coaches Poll
Similar to the AP Poll but voted on by FBS coaches. It carries equal influence in shaping national perception.
3. College Football Playoff (CFP) Rankings
Late in the season, the CFP committee releases its official rankings that determine playoff and New Year’s Six bowl selections.
For Rutgers to appear in any of these rankings, they must consistently:
Defeat higher-ranked opponents
Maintain a winning record
Show balanced offensive and defensive stats
Rutgers’ 2025 Season Overview
In the current 2025 season, Rutgers football has shown flashes of brilliance:
The team has competed strongly against Big Ten rivals.
Defense remains a cornerstone, ranking among the top in forced turnovers.
The offense, while improving, still struggles with consistency in red-zone efficiency and big-play execution.
These areas will determine whether Rutgers can break into national polls later in the season or secure a postseason bowl berth.
Key Players Driving Rutgers’ Progress
Every team’s rise begins with standout talent. Some of the key Scarlet Knights fueling this year’s efforts include:
Quarterback Gavin Wimsatt: A mobile and poised leader who’s matured under Schiano’s system.
Running Back Kyle Monangai: One of the Big Ten’s most reliable and productive rushers.
Defensive Standouts: Rutgers’ defensive front has impressed with strong performances against ranked opponents.
Their collective growth shows that Rutgers is not far from being a Top 25 contender.
Recruiting Momentum and Future Outlook
Recruiting is the lifeblood of college football success — and Rutgers is quietly gaining traction.
The 2025 and 2026 recruiting classes are shaping up to be among the best in recent memory, featuring several four-star prospects and top-ranked local athletes.
Coach Schiano’s strategy is clear:
Keep New Jersey talent home.
Build physical, Big Ten–ready linemen.
Develop depth and stability.
With continued progress in recruiting and player development, Rutgers’ ranking potential will rise naturally over the next few years.
Challenges Rutgers Must Overcome
While optimism surrounds the program, several challenges still stand in the way of Rutgers’ return to national rankings:
Offensive Consistency: Rutgers must improve its passing game and third-down efficiency.
Competing in the Big Ten East: Facing Michigan, Penn State, and Ohio State annually makes ranking breakthroughs difficult.
Depth and Injuries: Building a deep roster that can withstand a full Big Ten season is still a work in progress.
Addressing these factors will be crucial for long-term success.
Fan Support and the “Block R” Spirit
One thing Rutgers never lacks is fan passion. The “Block R” logo symbolizes pride, grit, and resilience.
Home games at SHI Stadium in Piscataway draw loyal crowds.
Student sections and alumni remain deeply invested in the team’s success.
That unwavering support is a vital ingredient in helping Rutgers sustain momentum — both on and off the field.
When Could Rutgers Be Ranked Again?
Based on the current trajectory, Rutgers could enter the rankings within the next 1–2 seasons if:
They secure an 8+ win season, including wins over at least one ranked opponent.
Their offense continues to progress under Schiano’s balanced system.
Recruiting efforts maintain their upward trend.
Given the direction of the program, Rutgers fans have every reason to believe that a Top 25 appearance is not a question of “if,” but “when.”
Conclusion: The Future Is Bright for Rutgers Football
So, is Rutgers football ranked?
Not at the moment — but they’re closer than ever to reclaiming national respect.
From the days of 1869’s first football game to the modern-day grind of Big Ten competition, Rutgers’ story has always been one of perseverance and pride.
Under Coach Schiano, the Scarlet Knights are laying the foundation for a powerful comeback — one that could soon see the “R” back in national headlines, not just for history, but for dominance.