Schiano Under Win-Now Pressure at Rutgers After Disappointing Start

Head coach Greg Schiano of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights watches the action against the UMass Minutemen during the second half at SHI Stadium on September 3, 2026 in Piscataway, New Jersey. Greg Schiano starts a make-or-break year at Rutgers. It's his 18th season with the program, but this one feels different. Boosters surveyed by NJ.com said the head coach needs six or seven wins to keep his job in 2027. Most think a 4-8 record would mean he's gone. Things have not started well for the Scarlet Knights. On September 3, Rutgers lost to UMass, 37-21. UMass had lost 16 straight games, including every game last season, coming into the season-opener at Rutgers. The Scarlet Knights went 19-19 over the past three seasons. Their Big Ten record during that stretch was a disappointing 9-18. Last year ended with a 5-7 finish after they lost to Penn State. "No one has higher expectations for the program that I do," Schiano said to NJ.com when asked about increased expectations following new resources. "How can you raise them from that? Some would say (it's) foolish to stand up as I do and say the goal for our program is to win a national championship at Rutgers." Athletic director Keli Zinn and president William "Win" Tate have given the football team NIL infrastructure and fundraising tools. These resources let the squad compete for transfers. Schiano said his working connection with both administrators is something he's never experienced before. His contract still has $18 million left on it. Schiano returned to Piscataway in 2019. The program had fallen apart. He'd been there before — his first run at the school included an 11-2 breakthrough in 2006 that gave him power when talking with school officials. The schedule could work in their favor this year. Non-conference matchups against UMass, Boston College, and Howard should give them three wins right away. Big Ten opponents Maryland, Northwestern, Michigan State, and Wisconsin all finished at .500 or worse last season, while Nebraska and Penn State both went 7-6. Wide receiver KJ Duff and running back Antwan Raymond lead an offense with two future NFL players. The defense was ranked among the worst in the conference last season under new coordinator Travis Johansen.