Rutgers 2026: QB Battle & Defense Overhaul | Indiana Hoosiers Football News

Rutgers heads into 2026 with high hopes and heavy doubts, as Greg Schiano returns to steer the program after a disappointing 5-7 season. The Scarlet Knights boast preseason All-American talent at RB Antwan Raymond and WR KJ Duff, but the real story lies in the QB battle between transfer Dylan Lonergan and AJ Surace — a position that could make or break their season. Defense, a glaring weakness last year, is being overhauled with a new coordinator and eight new starters, while special teams remains a national powerhouse. With a brutal early schedule — including road games against Boston College, USC, and Indiana — and a loaded stretch featuring Michigan, Nebraska, and Penn State, Rutgers’ fate hinges on finding QB stability, fixing the defense, and getting their playmakers the ball. Can Schiano resurrect the mid-2000s magic or is he hitting his ceiling at Rutgers? Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/c19cdedeaf102359