Picks and Predictions for the Scarlet Knights

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Rutgers Scarlet Knights History

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights boast a storied football legacy, dating back to the inaugural college football game against Princeton on November 6, 1869. This historic matchup, which Rutgers won 6–4, marked the birth of intercollegiate football. Over the years, the program has experienced periods of both challenge and triumph, reflecting the evolving landscape of college athletics.

In the modern era, Rutgers has demonstrated resilience and growth. The team’s transition into the Big Ten Conference in 2014 presented new challenges and opportunities, as they began competing against some of the nation’s most formidable programs. Despite initial struggles, the Scarlet Knights have made significant strides, culminating in recent seasons that have rekindled enthusiasm among fans and bettors alike.

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Rutgers Scarlet Knights Timeline

1869: Rutgers participates in the first intercollegiate football game, defeating Princeton 6–4.
1929: Becomes a member of the Middle Three Conference, competing against Lafayette and Lehigh.
1976: Achieves an undefeated 11–0 season, showcasing the program’s competitive potential.
1991: Joins the Big East Conference, marking a new chapter in conference affiliation.
2006: Records a remarkable 11–2 season, including a victory in the Texas Bowl, highlighting a period of resurgence.
2014: Transitions to the Big Ten Conference, aligning with some of college football’s most storied programs.
2023: Secures a winning season and triumphs over the Miami Hurricanes in the Pinstripe Bowl, signaling a return to competitive form.
2024: Completes the season with a 7–6 record, including a narrow loss to Kansas State in the Rate Bowl, demonstrating the team’s resilience and potential.

Rutgers Scarlet Knights Stats

The 2024 season showcased a balanced performance from the Scarlet Knights. Offensively, the team averaged 28.9 points per game, placing them 57th nationally. Quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis led the aerial attack with 2,696 passing yards, providing a consistent presence under center. Running back Kyle Monangai was a standout in the ground game, amassing 1,279 rushing yards and eight touchdowns, underscoring the team’s commitment to a multifaceted offensive strategy.

Defensively, Rutgers allowed an average of 25.4 points per game, ranking 70th nationally. Linebacker Dariel Djabome led the team with 105 tackles, while defensive back Robert Longerbeam contributed with two interceptions, highlighting key playmakers on the defensive side.

Rutgers Scarlet Knights Roster for 2025

As the Scarlet Knights prepare for the 2025 season, they aim to build upon the foundation laid in previous years. Quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis returns, bringing experience and leadership to the offense. His connection with wide receiver Dymere Miller, who led the team with 757 receiving yards in 2024, is expected to be a focal point of the passing game.

In the backfield, Kyle Monangai continues to be a reliable option, and his versatility as both a rusher and receiver adds depth to the offensive scheme. The offensive line, anchored by veteran center Mike Katic, will be crucial in providing stability and protection.

Defensively, the team retains key contributors such as linebacker Dariel Djabome and defensive back Robert Longerbeam. Their leadership and playmaking abilities will be vital in maintaining the defensive prowess exhibited in the previous season.

Rutgers Scarlet Knights Injury Report

The 2024 season presented challenges with injuries, notably the loss of key defensive player Mohamed Toure, which tested the team’s depth and resilience. Despite these setbacks, the Scarlet Knights demonstrated adaptability, with emerging players stepping up to fill critical roles.

Don’t make a critical wager without first looking at the injury list. Stay up to date with our rolling injury report:

Rutgers Scarlet Knights Betting Outlook and Trends

Balanced Offensive Production

With an average of 28.9 points per game, Rutgers proved they could put points on the board in a variety of ways — both on the ground with Kyle Monangai and through the air with Kaliakmanis. This versatility made them a sneaky team to back in total points markets, especially in matchups where the opposing defense struggled with run containment. Bettors should also watch for overs in non-conference or mid-tier Big Ten games, where Rutgers’ offense tends to find more rhythm and scoring opportunities.

Resilient Defense in Key Matchups

While they gave up over 25 points per game overall, Rutgers showed a knack for bending but not breaking — particularly in red zone defense and second-half adjustments. In several games, the defense tightened up when it mattered most, helping Rutgers cover spreads even in losing efforts. Bettors looking at underdog spots or tight spreads should consider how Rutgers’ defense can keep games closer than expected, especially against mistake-prone quarterbacks or inconsistent offenses.

Performance in Conference Play

The Scarlet Knights posted a 4–5 record in Big Ten play — competitive for a team often pegged as a lower-tier program. Their ability to stay in games, especially against other mid-pack Big Ten teams like Michigan State and Indiana, made them a solid bet ATS in conference play. This suggests value may continue to exist in 2025 when Rutgers is listed as short underdogs or modest favorites in conference matchups, particularly at home.

Betting Trends from Last Season

The 2024 season gave Rutgers bettors several angles to take advantage of — especially if you were tracking how they performed in specific game scripts and matchups. While the team finished with a modest 7–6 record, there was profit to be found in the margins. Here are three of the most important betting trends from last year:

• Underdog Covers Were a Bright Spot: Rutgers consistently outperformed expectations when getting points, covering the spread in five of their last seven games as underdogs. Oddsmakers often gave them large spreads against Big Ten competition, but the Scarlet Knights’ physical defense and ball-control offense kept them in striking distance. This trend was especially profitable at home, where the team seemed more comfortable and less mistake-prone.
• First-Half Unders Cashed Frequently: Early in games, Rutgers tended to play conservatively on offense and relied heavily on its defense, resulting in low first-half totals. In their first six games, the under hit in five first-half totals — a trend driven by slow starts and an emphasis on establishing the run. This betting angle became especially sharp in matchups with other defensively-minded teams, where neither side pushed the tempo early.
• Struggled as Favorites Against Non-Conference Opponents: While Rutgers played solid ball overall, they didn’t always dominate when expected to. As favorites — particularly in non-conference games — they had a tendency to let opponents hang around. The Scarlet Knights failed to cover in two of three non-conference games where they were favored by more than a touchdown, suggesting they may be better suited for underdog roles in the betting market.

Key Players for Betting on the Rutgers Scarlet Knights

Athan Kaliakmanis – Quarterback

The Minnesota transfer found his rhythm late in the season and enters 2025 with a better grasp of the Rutgers playbook. He threw for 2,696 yards and 17 touchdowns in 2024, and while not flashy, he brings a steady hand to the offense. Bettors should watch his completion percentage and passing yard props, especially against weaker secondaries where he tends to excel in controlled, short-yardage passing games. In live betting markets, he’s more consistent when playing from ahead.

Kyle Monangai – Running Back

Monangai was Rutgers’ workhorse in 2024, rushing for 1,279 yards and 8 scores while averaging 4.9 yards per carry. His usage rate makes him a solid pick for rushing attempts and yards props, particularly in low-total games where Rutgers is expected to grind out possessions. He’s also worth considering in touchdown scorer markets, especially when Rutgers gets into the red zone — he’s their clear go-to.

Dymere Miller – Wide Receiver

Miller led the team with 757 receiving yards and showed great chemistry with Kaliakmanis in key moments. Though not the most explosive WR1 in the Big Ten, Miller is a volume target who thrives on third downs and short-yardage routes. His reception props could offer value in tight games, especially when Rutgers is chasing or facing zone-heavy defenses.

Dariel Djabome – Linebacker

Djabome racked up over 100 tackles last season and was a major reason Rutgers’ defense stayed competitive in tough matchups. While you won’t find many props on defenders, his presence impacts game flow — particularly when it comes to unders and opponent rushing yards. Games where Djabome is healthy and active tend to be slower and lower-scoring, creating betting opportunities in totals and team props for Rutgers’ opponents.

Robert Longerbeam – Defensive Back

Longerbeam was a key contributor in the secondary, snagging multiple interceptions and leading the team in pass breakups. He’s a lockdown corner who can neutralize an opposing WR1, which can quietly influence the under or help Rutgers cover in games where they’re expected to get torched through the air. If you’re targeting same-game parlays or opponent receiving props, Longerbeam is a matchup factor worth considering.

Rutgers Scarlet Knights Summary

The 2024 season proved that Rutgers is more than just a historical footnote — they’re a program on the rise and a team worth watching in the betting market. With a strong core returning on both offense and defense, the Scarlet Knights have the tools to compete in the Big Ten and keep games closer than the public expects. Trends like underdog covers, first-half unders, and value in rushing props make Rutgers a sneaky play for bettors who dig deeper than the surface.

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