By Jay Berry
Disclaimer: This is not a prediction that Rutgers will compete for the Big Ten Conference championship.
However, the Scarlet Knights are poised to improve in 2024 due to several factors.
With the new wave of realignment beginning this season, the Big Ten has added some high-quality college football programs.
Even with the addition of these solid programs to the Big Ten, Rutgers could improve upon last season.
Let’s examine why they will fare better than their six-win 2023 regular season.
Schedule
Last season, Rutgers lost six games, four of which were against teams they won’t be playing this season.
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The Scarlet Knights’ schedule is favorable, as they avoid Ohio State, Oregon, Michigan, and Penn State. Their most challenging games include matchups against Washington, Nebraska, Wisconsin, and USC, and a non-conference road game against Virginia Tech. They also don’t play Iowa, which beat them last season.
Rutgers is unlikely to be betting favorites in many of those games, but they probably will not lose all of them due to two big factors in their favor.
Roster
Head coach Greg Schiano returns most of his 2023 team, which went 6-6 in the regular season and won a bowl game against Miami, bringing their final record to 7-6.
Schiano has managed to keep most of his key players for the upcoming college football season. Running back Kyle Monangai, who led the Big Ten in rushing, will be returning for his final year. Monangai led the conference with 1,262 rushing yards. Additionally, Rutgers will return four starting offensive linemen, four senior receivers, and a receiver who emerged last year as a true freshman.
Blessed. 👑 https://t.co/jHGSPraZHV
— Kyle Monangai (@kylemonangai) November 26, 2023
Last season’s team-leading receiver, Christian Dremel, is back, along with Chris Long, who returns after missing 11 games due to injury. Naseim Brantley, who missed last season after transferring from Western Illinois, and the FCS leading receiver in 2023, Dymere Miller, will play his final college season for Rutgers. They also welcome back Ian Strong, who emerged last season as a true freshman.
Wimsatt hits Ian Strong on 3rd & 5 for 14 yards and a first down! @IanStrong23 | @GavinWimsatt
— Rutgers Football 🪓 (@RFootball) December 28, 2023
The team’s passing game, which ranked 12th out of 14 teams in the Big Ten, wasn’t great. However, Rutgers has added quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis, the “Greek Gunslinger” from Minnesota, who started 12 games for the Gophers last season. While this addition will not lead them to a conference or national championship, the quarterback position could improve the team’s performance based on the existing roster and schedule.
Brotherly Love ‼️
Athan Kaliakmanis hits Dino Kaliakmanis for the touchdown! pic.twitter.com/MW2btjeJRI
— Rutgers Football 🪓 (@RFootball) April 27, 2024
Defense
The Scarlet Knights’ defense finished the 2023 season ranked 16th overall in total defense. The defensive unit effectively limited explosive plays and was solid in tackling. Rutgers is bringing back eight out of 11 starters from last season, including their top pass rusher and interception leader.
However, they need to improve their ability to get to the quarterback.
In 2023, LB Mohamed Toure led the team in sacks with just 4.5.
The Menace 😈
Mohamed Toure comes flying up the middle for the sack!@mohamed_1k | #Darkside pic.twitter.com/rSQQMx2kq3
— Rutgers Football 🪓 (@RFootball) November 4, 2023
