2023 Season-In-Review

Record: 7-6, Win vs. Miami in Pinstripe Bowl (31-24)

It was a big step forward for Rutgers in 2023 as the team returned to bowl season and was able to earn a victory. The Scarlet Knights qualified for a bowl game early, wining six of the first eight games of the season. Rutgers entered a gauntlet of a schedule to end the season, including Ohio State and Penn State, to finish 6-6. The Scarlet Knights took down Miami in the Pinstripe Bowl and will now have high expectations this season.

Offense: Kaliakmanis takes over under center

The passing attack for Rutgers was among the worst in the nation last season. This made Greg Schiano hit the transfer portal in hopes of landing a new quarterback. Minnesota transfer Athan Kaliakmanis ended up in Piscataway with his old offensive coordinator Kirk Ciarrocca. Scarlet Knight fans are hoping this improves the passing attack.

Kaliakmanis will have a deep group of wide receivers to work with. This is not something that has been said over the years. FCS’ leading receiver Dymere Miller transferred in from Monmouth while Christian Dremel is back after leading the Scarlet Knights in receiving last season. Ian Strong and Dylan Braithwaite are young options preparing to take a major step forward.

The leader of the offense is the Big Ten’s leading rusher from 2023. Kyle Monangai totaled over 1,200 yards on the ground to lead the conference. Now, he is not a well-kept secret anymore and will look to follow up in an All-Conference season.

Defense: Elite group returns 10 starters

Defensive coordinator Joe Harasymiak has turned into one of the best coordinators in the Big Ten. The Scarlet Knights finished top 20 in total defense last season and return 10 starters from last year’s group.

The core of linebackers took a major step forward last season and return three major keys. Mohamed Toure and Tyreem Powell are the leaders of the defense. Powell is recovering from a torn Achilles but it expected to be ready for the season-opener.

In the secondary, Max Melton is the biggest loss but Robert Longerbeam and Eric Rogers return as a dynamic duo at corner. Shaquan Loyal looks like the next great safety for the Scarlet Knights, along with Desmond Igbinosun.

Rutgers built an identity last season of strong defense and running the football. This season will be the same as the defense returns plenty of production.

2024 Rutgers Football Schedule

• Thursday, Aug. 29: vs. Howard
• Saturday, Sept. 7: vs. Akron
• Saturday, Sept. 21: at Virginia Tech
• Friday, Sept. 27: vs. Washington
• Saturday, Oct. 5: at Nebraska
• Saturday, Oct. 12: vs. Wisconsin
• Saturday, Oct. 19: vs. UCLA
• Friday, Oct. 25: at USC
• Saturday, Nov. 9: vs. Minnesota
• Saturday, Nov. 16: at Maryland
• Saturday, Nov. 23: vs. Illinois
• Saturday, Nov. 30: at Michigan State