Rutgers vs UMass 2026 Preview

Season Opener Opponent

Rutgers kicks off its 2026 schedule in just a couple of months, and the first opponent announced is UMass. The June 3 matchup at 6 p.m. will give fans a chance to see how the Scarlet Knights start the season. This early test also highlights the path UMass takes as it rebuilds after a winless campaign. Both teams are eager to set the tone before the long stretch of conference play.

UMass Coaching Change and 2024 Struggles

The Minutemen are led by second‑year head coach Joe Harasymiak, a former Rutgers defensive coordinator. In his inaugural season, Harasymiak’s squad did not win a single game, even falling to 3‑9 FCS Bryant by one point. The lack of victories prompted limited adjustments this off‑season, leaving UMass still searching for momentum. As a result, expectations around the program remain low heading into 2026.

Quarterback Shuffle

UMass’ offense was anchored last year by freshman signal‑caller AJ Hairston, who posted 957 passing yards, four touchdowns, and four sacks while completing 49.5 % of his passes. After only one season, Hairston entered the transfer portal and landed at Merrimack. His former backup, Grant Jordan, also moved on, leaving junior Brandon Rose as the sole returning quarterback with game experience. Rose started two games, accumulating 424 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions with a 59.1 % completion rate. The portal also added Virginia Tech transfer Pop Watson III, who brings 558 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions from three seasons at the Hokies.

Running Backs Under New Faces

Brandon Hood, the team’s leading rusher, transferred out, opening the door for Rocko Griffin to become the focal point of the ground attack. Griffin carried the ball 53 times for 246 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 4.6 yards per carry. UMass also recruited former Marshall back Justin Williams‑Thomas, who posted 35 carries for 197 yards and two touchdowns with a 5.6‑yard average for the Thundering Herd. The dual‑back approach aims to improve a rushing attack that struggled during the previous season.

Receivers and Tight End Outlook

Jacquon Gibson was the most productive pass catcher for the Minutemen last year, but he opted to leave the program. The top returning receiver is Donnie Gray, who hauled in 27 passes for 260 yards. Tight end Max Dowling returns as the team’s touchdown leader, catching 20 balls for 199 yards and three scores. In the transfer portal, UMass added three wide receivers, the most notable being Joseph Griffin Jr. Griffin’s brief stint at Wisconsin yielded one catch for five yards, but his two years at Boston College produced 43 receptions, 579 yards, and six touchdowns. These additions could bolster a receiving corps that lost its top performer.

Defensive Foundations

Defensively, Tyler Martin returns as the team’s tackles leader with 104 stops recorded last season. However, the Minutemen are without former sack leader Marquise White, who entered the transfer portal. Power Four transfers bolster the line: siblings Andrew Depaepe (sophomore) and William Depaepe (freshman) from Indiana combined for three tackles and one sack, while Kamarion Thomas comes from North Carolina after a season with no recorded stats. Safety Zeraun Daniel, UMass’ leading tackler in the secondary, is also back for another year. Despite these additions, the defense still faces an uphill battle after a season riddled with limited production.

Overall Outlook

UMass finished as one of the worst teams in the FBS last year and has made few notable changes this off‑season. The lack of turnover and development suggests the program will remain in rebuilding mode throughout 2026. Rutgers, fresh off a strong recruiting class and returning key offensive weapons, appears far superior in every phase. Given the talent gap and UMass’ ongoing struggles, the Scarlet Knights are poised to dominate, likely winning by a margin of at least three touchdowns when the June 3 game kicks off.