Final Rutgers Football Game-By-Game Predictions (Part 1)

In early July, I published my first article of 2025 football game-by-game predictions, featuring predicted scores for every game, similar to how it has been done in the past. However, after taking a more detailed look at each opponent during the opponent preview series, I wanted to take a second look at each game.

In addition to updated score predictions, I have also added projected point spreads, which will provide a gauge of where Rutgers stands relative to each of its opponents. Part 1 covers the first six games of the season, from Ohio to Washington, with the final six games coming in Part 2.

Thursday, Aug. 28th- Rutgers vs. Ohio

Initial Score Prediction: Rutgers 34, Ohio 21

Current Line: Rutgers -14.5 (originally Rutgers -10.5)

The spread for the Ohio game has moved up to Rutgers -14.5, which signals a bigger change in the complexion of the season opener than the four-point shift of the line. After looking through the reasons for the four-point shift, it is evident that Ohio will be starting five new offensive linemen and replacing many of the top players on its defensive line, including current Rutgers defensive end Bradley Weaver.

In addition, Ohio is making a change at head coach, with Tim Albin taking the head coach job at Charlotte. Former offensive coordinator Brian Smith is taking over the position, but starting his coaching career against an improved Big Ten team on the road is not an easy ask, especially one led by a veteran coach in Greg Schiano. After Ohio trails 14-10 at halftime, Athan Kaliakmanis gets his playmakers involved while the new-look Rutgers defensive line collapses in on Bobcats quarterback Parker Navarro, handing the Scarlet Knights a comfortable yet competitive victory.

Updated Score Prediction: Rutgers 31, Ohio 13

Projected Record: Rutgers 1-0, 0-0 Big Ten

Saturday, Sept. 6th- Rutgers vs. Miami (Ohio)

Initial Score Prediction: Rutgers 40, Miami (OH) 24

Projected Line: Rutgers -17.5

There is not too much to change from my initial score prediction here, although Miami (OH) will be among the top teams in the MAC after winning the league in 2023 and finishing as runners-up in 2024 to Ohio. With their Power Four record from last season sitting at 0-3, including a 13-6 loss to a hapless Northwestern team, their MAC success does not move the needle for me here against the Scarlet Knights.

With dual-threat quarterback Dequan Finn providing an infusion of offense at quarterback, the RedHawks may look a bit better on offense, although five new starters on the offensive line and inexperienced portal additions at receiver and tight end may hinder that side of the ball in early games. Five defensive starters return for Miami (Ohio), including safety Eli Blakey, nickel cornerback Oscar McWood, and edge rusher Adam Trick, who is expected to have a bigger impact this season after notching 4.5 sacks in 2024.

It still will not be enough to compete with Rutgers, which will be more comfortable on offense after breaking through some first-game woes against the Bobcats. After faltering against Wisconsin, the RedHawks keep it competitive early but fall well short by the end, giving the Scarlet Knights a 2-0 start to the season.

Updated Score Prediction: Rutgers 38, Miami (OH) 20

Projected Record: Rutgers 2-0, 0-0 Big Ten

Saturday, Sept. 13th- Rutgers vs. Norfolk State

Initial Score Prediction: Rutgers 55, Norfolk State 10

Projected Line: Rutgers -42.5

FBS-FCS point spreads do not typically get released until the morning of the game, so keep that in mind if a line does not come out for this game until closer to kickoff. With that being said, Rutgers should be a much more dominant favorite in this game than in the previous two.

Within the MEAC, Norfolk State may be among the better teams, as they are returning a lot of their offensive production, including quarterback Jaylen Daniels, running back Kevon King, and leading receiver Jaqcuez Jones, averaging 30.5 points per game. Their top linebacker, AJ Richardson, transferred to NC State in the offseason, while their sack leader and second-leading tackler, Tariq Miles, will return. Most notably, the Spartans will be led by first-year head coach and former NFL star quarterback Michael Vick. However, Rutgers will be a different caliber of opponent than Norfolk State will contend with for most of the season.

Although Howard gave Rutgers trouble in the first half, Rutgers ran away in the second half, with backups continuing to score in the game’s final minutes. With the Scarlet Knights facing two of the MAC’s best teams to open the season, the rust should be shaken off by this point, allowing for the backups to be subbed in early in the second half and the starters to get some much-needed rest before the Iowa game.

Updated Score Prediction: Rutgers 52, Norfolk State 7

Projected Record: Rutgers 3-0, 0-0 Big Ten

Friday, Sept. 19th- Rutgers vs. Iowa

Initial Score Prediction: Rutgers 24, Iowa 20

Projected Line: Iowa -2.5

Excitement and anticipation will be at a fever pitch for the Rutgers community, with the Iowa date circled in red (or black) on the calendar. The annual blackout game could not come at a better time, and the game is reminiscent of two recent night games. The Scarlet Knights opened Big Ten play against the Hawkeyes during the 2022 season, which was the first night game at Rutgers in several seasons, while Rutgers also had a Friday blackout opener against the Washington Huskies, earning their first-ever victory over a team that had played in the national championship game just one season before. Can Rutgers repeat that trend over Iowa this season?

The Scarlet Knights have gone 0-4 against the Hawkeyes, with deflating road losses paired with disheartening home losses that have seemed to separate the two similarly appearing Big Ten teams. Iowa is closer to the upper tier of the conference, while Rutgers has made their way into the competitive middle of the pack. Although the road dates at Minnesota and Washington would appear to be just as tough, Iowa’s tenacious defense has put them one step ahead of teams in that weight class, where the Scarlet Knights currently reside as well.

I optimistically picked a win back in early July, but until Rutgers proves it on the field, it will be hard for me to see the Scarlet Knights going from largely noncompetitive in this game to outright victorious. On top of that, the Hawkeyes have made upgrades to their offense to match the ones Rutgers has made. Iowa’s improved passing offense with Mark Gronowski at quarterback, paired with its patented strong defense, proves to be too much, but the Scarlet Knights close the wide gap with some passing offense of their own. Expect some unexpected fireworks on the field in a close Rutgers loss that is not too disappointing for the home faithful.

Updated Score Prediction: Iowa 28, Rutgers 24

Projected Record: Rutgers 3-1, 0-1 Big Ten

Saturday, Sept. 27th- Rutgers at Minnesota

Initial Score Prediction: Minnesota 28, Rutgers 21

Projected Line: Minnesota -3.5

In my initial prediction, I had Minnesota handing Rutgers its first loss of the season. Last season, Rutgers pulled off a victory that transformed their season, snapping a four-game losing skid and spurring the Scarlet Knights back towards bowl eligibility. The Golden Gophers will be coming off a bye, but in this version of my prediction, Rutgers is coming off a close loss and will head to Minnesota looking to get back in the win column.

Minnesota has lost quarterback Max Brosmer to the NFL and will start fresh-faced Drake Lindsey at the position. Top running back Darius Taylor returns, although he was held to just 28 yards against Rutgers. In addition, Elijah Jackson will step into the top receiving role, with Daniel Jackson signing with the Texans in the offseason. A couple of the best Gophers on defense also left for the NFL; however, 2024 co-sack leader Anthony Smith and interception-leader Koi Perich will return for Minnesota to keep the defense near the top of the Big Ten.

Rutgers will step into this game as a slight underdog, but Minnesota may be the easiest of this crucial three-game stretch to snag a victory. After closing the gap with the Hawkeyes, Athan Kaliakmanis returns to Minneapolis with a career performance. The defense does enough to force Lindsey into a crucial interception, and the Scarlet Knights get their first road win of 2025.

Updated Score Prediction: Rutgers 24, Minnesota 21

Projected Record: Rutgers 4-1, 1-1 Big Ten

Friday, Oct. 10th- Rutgers at Washington

Initial Score Prediction: Rutgers 34, Washington 31

Projected Line: Washington -6.5

After their first bye, Rutgers will play its second-straight road game and second Friday contest of the season at the Washington Huskies. The Scarlet Knights pulled off a thrilling victory last season, a game in which Washington significantly outgained Rutgers but failed to capitalize on their chances on third down and missed three field goals. This year, Washington brings in Demond Williams Jr. at quarterback, who showcased his accuracy, arm talent, and dual-threat ability in the final two games of the Huskies’ 2024 season.

Washington also brings back some of its top playmakers, including Jonah Coleman at running back and Denzel Boston, in addition to a couple of additions at wide receiver that will be poised to make an impact. The offensive line added some of the top talent in the portal, while the defense brought in transfers at all three levels in addition to returning some of its top players who missed time in 2024 with injuries.

The Huskies were 6-0 at home last season and 0-5 on the road, but unfortunately for Rutgers, this game is in Seattle. A hostile road environment, combined with Washington making upgrades all over their roster, especially at quarterback, means that Rutgers will likely not be able to keep pace with the Huskies this time around.

Updated Score Prediction: Washington 34, Rutgers 24

Projected Record: Rutgers 4-2, 1-2 Big Ten

Stay tuned for Part 2, which will contain my updated score predictions and point spread projections from the Oregon game to the season finale against Penn State!

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