On the Banks
Insomnia for the sleeping giant.
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Rutgers Women’s Basketball Officially Begins Redus Era By Thumping Long Island 83-52
Rutgers women’s basketball launches Gary Redus II’s tenure with an 83‑52 victory over Long Island on Oct. 30, 2026. Starters Mia Pauldo, Tara Daye, Jaylah Lampley, Zachara Perkins and Natassja Kolff lead a dominant performance, with Pauldo scoring 22 points, including key steals and three‑pointers. The Knights build a 45‑23 halftime lead and stretch it to 56‑28 after three quarters, forcing nine turnovers in a 12‑1 run. Freshman Chikae Desdunes and transfer Lauryn Swann contribute off the bench as Rutgers maintains a relentless full‑court press. Long Island’s best effort comes late, but the Scarlet Knights seal the win at 80‑47 with two minutes left, cementing a strong start to the 2026‑27 season.
Rutgers Women’s Basketball 2026-27 Season Preview: A New Era on the Banks
Rutgers women’s basketball kicks off the 2026-27 season under first‑year head coach Gary Redus II, aiming to rebound from recent struggles. The Scarlet Knights posted a dominant 104-49 exhibition win over Caldwell and open the regular slate against LIU. Redus brings a national‑championship pedigree from LSU, while the roster blends returning talent—junior guard Lauryn Swann, senior Kennedy Brandt—and impactful transfers, including twin forwards Mya and Mia Pauldo (the latter a former SEC All‑Freshman). Freshman guard Chikae Desdunes dazzled with 17 points and a double‑double of steals. The key storyline: how quickly this eclectic group gels in one of women’s college basketball’s toughest conferences.
This Week in Field Hockey: Kuiper Scores One, Sets Up One, and Rutgers Gets Indiana Again
No. 18 Rutgers edged No. 15 Indiana 2-1 at the Bauer Complex on Nov. 1, securing the No. 4 seed in the Big Ten Tournament. After a tight first half, Rutgers surged in the second with three rapid goals – a Kuiper finish, a Luo‑style tap‑in by Laura Loycke, and a go‑ahead tally before halftime. Indiana’s Emily Nicholls recorded six saves, holding the Hoosiers to just one goal on six shots. The win gives Rutgers its fourth ranked victory of the season and a quarter‑final rematch with Indiana on Wednesday, with a spot in the semifinals against top‑seed Northwestern on the line.
Contract buyouts: thanks, Pat – great job on that extension
The article dissects how college football contract buyouts differ, using recent firings as case studies. It notes Florida State’s $47 million severance for Mike Norvell after a loss to Clemson, then focuses on Rutgers’ Greg Schiano extension—running through Feb. 2030 with a staggered payout of about $17.3 million if terminated without cause, plus largely unrealistic performance bonuses. Comparisons follow: Maryland’s Mike Locksley faces a $9.94 million buyout paid half up‑front, while NC State’s Dave Doeren’s buyout totals roughly $10.3 million based on a $3.25 million base salary. The piece highlights how payout structures—lump‑sum versus bi‑weekly installments—affect a school’s financial exposure when coaches are dismissed.
Rutgers Football Listed as 15.5 Point Underdogs Against Wisconsin
Rutgers heads to Madison on Nov. 7 as 15.5‑point underdogs against Wisconsin, with the over/under set at 45.5 points (FanDuel). The Scarlet Knights, fresh off a 28‑21 loss to Michigan, hope a return of QB Dylan Lonergan can spark a comeback. Wisconsin, now 5‑3 after a 30‑0 defeat by Iowa, relies on dual‑threat QB Colton Joseph (1,346 passing yards, 11 TDs, 371 rush yards) and a run‑heavy backfield featuring Abu Sama III and Darion Dupree. Their defense, anchored by LB Sebastian Cheeks, has allowed 21+ points only twice and boasts 14 sacks, seven picks and six forced fumbles. Kickoff is 4:15 p.m. EST, live on the Big Ten Network.
Volleyball Rises From the Dead on Halloween, Saves Three Match Points & Beats Northwestern in Five
After an 11‑game losing streak, Rutgers women’s volleyball erupts on Halloween to stun Northwestern 3‑2 at Welsh‑Ryan Arena. The Scarlet Knights rally from a 21‑24 deficit in the fourth set, save three match points, and win the decisive fifth 15‑12, edging the Wildcats 111‑109 overall. Rutgers posts a .222 hitting percentage with 72 kills, out‑blocking (14‑8) and out‑hitting Northwestern in every set despite 16 service errors. Standout performances come from Karis Willow, Addison Wiemann (seven kills) and a clutch kill by Romes to close the fourth. The 1,211‑spectator crowd witnesses the team’s first victory since Oct. 1, reviving hopes for the remainder of the Big Ten season.
Arnav’s Analysis: Takeaways From Rutgers’ 28-21 Loss To Michigan
Rutgers rallies from a double‑digit deficit to force a 28‑21 loss to Michigan, becoming the only team to score 21 points against the Wolverines this season. AJ Surace throws a late 80‑yard TD to Jourdin Houston and engineers a 54‑yard Antwan Raymond run that sets up the game‑tying two‑point conversion, while a missed Michigan field goal and a controversial punt‑catch interference call keep the Knights in the game. Despite standout run performances—Raymond’s 85 yards on 11 carries and Clay Thevenin’s go‑ahead TD—Rutgers falls to 2‑6, hindered by a struggling passing attack (Surace 3‑of‑12, 123 yards) and defensive lapses that yielded 427 yards. The article breaks down key plays, injuries, and why the Knights couldn't sustain their comeback.
Rutgers Football Falls Short Against Michigan 28-21
On Halloween, Michigan edged Rutgers 28-21 at SHI Stadium after a back‑and‑forth battle. Rutgers tied the game at 21 with a fourth‑quarter touchdown and two‑point conversion, but Michigan answered with a 75‑yard drive, scoring the go‑ahead TD with four minutes left. Rutgers quarterback AJ Surace was 3‑of‑12 for 123 yards and a TD, hampered by injuries to Dylan Lonergan and KJ Duff, while the Wolverines’ pass rush logged two sacks and four TFLs. Running backs Antwan Raymond and Clay Thevenin combined for 115 yards and a score, and true freshman DB JJ Conyers led the team with nine tackles. Rutgers now heads to Wisconsin next week.
Rutgers Football vs Michigan Game Thread
Rutgers heads home to Piscataway on Oct. 31 for a Big Ten showdown against Michigan at SHI Stadium, kicking off at 12:30 p.m. on BTN. Michigan opens as 16.5‑point favorites (originally 14.5) and the over/under sits at 44.5. Expect mild weather—58° at tipoff, climbing to 60°, with light winds and no rain. Fans are invited to share their thoughts in the comments.
The Ranked Reapers Strike Again and Beat #8 Michigan State 4-1
Rutgers storms senior‑day at Michigan State, snapping the Spartans’ unbeaten run at DeMartin Stadium with a 4-1 victory. Amer Lukovic netted twice (17:13, 73:48) and Zach Mastrodimos and Erick Ruiz added the other goals as the Scarlet Knights earned their fifth ranked win of the season and third over MSU, all in East Lansing. Michigan State, #8 nationally, fell to 10-2-3 overall and 5-1-2 in the Big Ten, while Rutgers improved to 7-6-2 (5-3-1 Big Ten), securing a spot in the conference tournament. Goalkeeper Rafael Ponce de Leon saved four shots, including a penalty, and freshman Francesco Di Ponzio earned Offensive Player of the Week again.
Rutgers Women’s Basketball Thrashes Caldwell 104-49 in Preseason Exhibition Game
Rutgers women’s basketball dominate Division II Caldwell 104‑49 in a preseason exhibition on Oct. 31, 2026. The Knights jump to a 32‑13 first‑quarter lead and finish 52‑24 at halftime, shooting 53.1% overall and 50% from three‑point range (33 threes). Chikae Desdunes tops the scoreboard with 17 points; Jaylah Lampley and Tara Daye each post double‑doubles (14‑10 and 16‑10) and pull 10 rebounds each. Rutgers out‑rebound Caldwell by 21, add 12 more assists and commit 14 fewer turnovers, giving the squad a chance to gel before the regular season opener against LIU on Nov. 2.
Women’s Soccer Puts 18 Shots on Target but Ends Its Season With a 3-2 Loss to Maryland
In the season‑final showdown at Yurcak Field, Maryland edged Rutgers 3-2 despite the Scarlet Knights firing 18 shots on target. Jolie Farmer opened the scoring for Maryland at 7:06 and added another at 51:47, while Mia Mitchell slotted a penalty at 38:43. Rutgers answered with Lilia Calvert’s spot‑kick at 56:25 and Reilly McGlinn’s 81:49 winner off a Julia Joseph assist, but the equalizer never came. Goalkeeper Faith Luckey posted 13 saves before Meredith Fisher took over. The loss dashes Rutgers’ Big Ten tournament hopes, ending the seniors’ careers on a somber note.
2027 3 Star Defensive Tackle Dennis Glenn Jr. Decommits From Rutgers Football
Three-star defensive tackle Dennis Glenn Jr. decommits from Rutgers after announcing his commitment on June 7 and reversing it on Oct. 29. The 6‑foot‑1, 285‑lb South Carolina prospect, who also plays basketball and runs track at Boiling Springs High, had chosen Rutgers over offers from Boston College, Cincinnati, Duke, Georgia, NC State, Northwestern, Virginia Tech and Wake Forest. Glenn cites uncertainty about the Rutgers coaching staff’s future as the deciding factor. His decommitment marks the fourth loss for Rutgers’ 2027 class, joining Connor Winn, Zion Vilma and Josiah Sturdivant.
Rutgers Football History vs. Michigan: Can the Scarlet Knights Compete?
Rutgers faces Michigan on Oct. 31, 2026, entering the game at 2-5 after three double‑digit defeats. The Wolverines arrive as two‑touchdown favorites, having won nine straight meetings since 2015 and outscoring the Scarlet Knights 407‑116. Rutgers' lone victory came in 2014 (26‑24); since then they’ve managed over 20 points only once and have been shut out twice. Coach Greg Schiano hopes the team can finally compete, but the history suggests a daunting challenge. The article reviews each past matchup, highlighting Michigan’s dominance and Rutgers’ struggle to find a win against a Big Ten rival they haven’t beaten in over a decade.
Cross Country Runs Faster in Madison but Finishes 15th and 13th at Big Tens
Rutgers’ cross‑country teams improve at the Big Ten Championships in Madison, WI, but still finish near the bottom. The women’s squad climbs from 94th to 47th during the 6,000‑m race, posting a 20:48.7 finish that earns a 15th‑place team score of 422—just two points shy of 14th‑place Purdue. The men place 13th of 15 with 349 points, trailing Iowa by 12 points. Standout individual performances include senior Lorena David’s surge to 47th, junior Gavin Rossi’s 40th place in 23:55.8, and junior Stephen Kyvelos’ 85th finish in 24:45.5. Oregon sweeps both titles, while Rutgers remains a step behind the conference leaders.
Breaking Down Rutgers Men’s Basketball’s 2026-27 Roster: Who Will Step Up?
Rutgers men’s basketball heads into the 2026‑27 Big Ten season with a solid backcourt anchored by 17‑point scorer Tariq Francis and veteran guard Jamichael Davis, while new guards Lino Mark, RaSheed Jones and freshmen add depth. The wing‑forward group blends experience from Darren Buchanan Jr. and NEC Player of the Year transfer Darin Smith Jr. with international newcomers Martin Tonejc and Diego Garavaglia, though consistency remains a question. Inside, Christian Gurdak returns with a 63% field‑goal rate, aiming to solidify a frontcourt that still seeks steady production. Success hinges on how quickly the mix of transfers, internationals and young talent gel.
Volleyball Takes the Third at Purdue, Then Gives Up 13 Straight Points in a Four-Set Loss
Rutgers fell to Purdue 15-25, 18-25, 25-16, 14-25 in a four‑set match at Holloway Gymnasium on Oct. 30, 2026. After snapping an eight‑game losing streak with a third‑set surge, the Scarlet Knights surrendered 13 straight points—including 11 on Sienna Foster’s serve—to lose the fourth set. Purdue, missing All‑American Kenna Wollard, out‑killed Rutgers 50‑44, hit .276 versus .154, and dominated with a 10.5‑7 block margin and 9‑6 ace edge. Rutgers recorded 23 attack errors and eight service faults, while Purdue posted a 64.4% side‑out rate. The game lasted 110 minutes before 2,108 fans.
Rutgers Wrestling HC Scott Goodale Previews Upcoming Season in Preseason Press Conference
Rutgers wrestling head coach Scott Goodale previewed the 2026‑27 season in a press conference, praising the roster as the deepest he’s ever had and highlighting the program’s talent across weight classes. He announced the signing of Anthony Knox, the No. 1 125‑lb recruit of the 2025 class and the highest‑rated in school history, noting Knox’s own goal of a national title. Goodale cautioned against focusing solely on March, emphasizing daily improvement after two lackluster NCAA finishes. The team heads to the Paycom‑sponsored National Duals Invitational in Tulsa on Dec. 12‑13, where a blind draw could pit them against powerhouses like Oklahoma State or Ohio State.
Who watched the Rutgers-Northwestern game on TV? We don’t know!
The Week 8 Rutgers‑Northwestern matchup aired on Peacock but, unlike other Big Ten games, it didn’t release viewership numbers, suggesting modest streaming interest. Northwestern drew 27,156 fans at Ryan Field—up from its Ball State game but shy of the sold‑out Penn State opener—while Rutgers averages just over 42,000 attendees, down from 48,000 in 2025. NBC’s Saturday Night Big Ten game ranked seventh overall, trailing four SEC contests, and Pitt‑Miami attracted nearly 2 million viewers. Upcoming clashes include Rutgers vs. Michigan on BTN and UCLA vs. Nevada on the same network, highlighting the ongoing battle for both stadium and TV audiences.
Rutgers Football vs Michigan Halloween Game Week Preview
Rutgers heads home for a Halloween showdown with Michigan on Oct. 31 after a 42‑14 loss to Northwestern, while the Wolverines rebound from a 13‑6 OT defeat to Indiana. Both squads face quarterback turmoil: Michigan will start backup Tommy Carr, who threw 20 of 32 for 167 yards against Indiana, and Rutgers must replace injured starter Dylan Lonergan, with AJ Surace and Sean Ashenfelder awaiting a call‑up. Michigan’s run duo Jordan Marshall (3.9 ypc, 4 TDs) and Savion Hiter (3.6 ypc, 2 TDs) challenge a Rutgers defense that ranks last in the Big Ten against the run. Wolverines receiver JJ Buchanan leads with 33 catches for 539 yards, and DE John Henry Daley’s four sacks add pressure, while Michigan’s stout defense allows just 15.7 points per game. The game tips off at 12:30 p.m. on the Big Ten Network.
Rutgers’ Greg Schiano Hosts Gameweek Press Conference Ahead of Michigan Game
Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano held his weekly press conference before the Halloween showdown with Michigan, focusing on the quarterback carousel. He explained that Rutgers teaches both head‑first and baseball slides after Dylan Lonergan’s head‑first collision at Northwestern, expressing disappointment over the injury and noting Lonergan’s status will be confirmed at the 8 p.m. availability report. Schiano also reviewed the Northwestern game, praising AJ Surace and Sean Ashenfelder’s adjustments while admitting Rutgers missed open throws despite a 288‑yard rushing effort. When asked about Northwestern’s resources, he credited coach Brian Braun’s benefactor and reiterated his commitment to advancing Rutgers’ program.
Can you win at Maryland? Or Rutgers? Who wants to try?
The On the Banks piece compares the Big Ten head‑coaching prospects at Maryland and Rutgers now that Mike Locksley’s tenure is ending and Greg Schiano’s future is uncertain. Both programs earn a B‑grade for recent performance, but Maryland scores slightly higher in recruiting and budget, while Rutgers edges Maryland in athletic‑department stability. The article lists a shared candidate pool—including Manny Diaz, Jake Dickert, Charles Huff, Dan Mullen, Lance Taylor and Jason Eck—and argues the ceiling for both jobs remains low, leaving fans to wonder which program offers the better long‑term opportunity.
This Week in Field Hockey: Vernooij Ends It in Iowa City and Tromp Ends It in Evanston
Rutgers snapped its five‑game winning streak with a 4‑3 double‑OT victory over No. 6 Iowa in Iowa City, thanks to a late Frederique Vernooij goal after 20 minutes without a shot. Ella Gandy’s corner set up Olivia Fraticelli’s 13th goal, while keeper Emily Nicholls tallied 19 saves across both games. The Knights then fell 2‑1 to No. 2 Northwestern in Evanston, conceding a late Ilse Tromp power‑play tally that ended their weekend without a shot in the fourth quarter. Rutgers now sits 10‑7 overall, 4‑3 in the Big Ten, with a final regular‑season matchup against No. 11 Indiana on Friday.
Rutgers Faced With Impossible Decision At Quarterback
Rutgers faces a quarterback crisis after starter Dylan Lonergan leaves the 42-14 loss to Northwestern with a head injury. Coach Greg Schiano must choose between backups AJ Surace, who threw 7 of 18 for 64 yards with an interception, and Sean Ashenfelder, who managed just 2 of 9 for 36 yards and also intercepted a pass. Lonergan’s recent best performance came against Maryland (291 yards, 3 TDs). Both backups have struggled all season, leaving Schiano on a hot seat as the Scarlet Knights’ season looks bleak.
Basketball game contracts: filling out a schedule to build the resume – men’s games
The article breaks down the money behind Rutgers men’s basketball non‑conference games and compares it to contracts at other schools. It reveals that Rutgers’ Players Era Tournament pays $100,000 to teams reaching the Premier Four and includes $900,000‑$800,000 in NIL activity value for players through 2028. By contrast, Arizona pays $95,000 to Cal Poly and $90,000 per game to Northern Arizona, while Illinois pays Baylor $250,000 for a single game. Other deals range from $75,000 per Hall of Fame Series game to revenue‑sharing agreements like Missouri’s six‑year sponsorship. The piece highlights how big‑name programs often pay opponents, whereas mutually prestigious matchups exchange little or no cash.
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