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It is a season of anticipation for Rutgers, the return of fans to SHI Stadium heralding a new era in Scarlet Knights football.
There is also the return of head coach Greg Schiano, whose presence last year was a tremendous boost for a program that hasn’t had a winning season since 2014. That year, under former head coach Kyle Flood, was the last time the Scarlet Knights had a winning record (8-5). The 3-5 record in the Big Ten was also a program-best for wins in their new conference, an accomplishment which Schiano matched in the shortened 2020 season when Rutgers went 3-6, all in the Big Ten.
The expectation for Rutgers is a similar record in the Big Ten along with a strong showing in their three out of conference games. That could have the Scarlet Knights in bowl contention. Rutgers hasn’t played in a bowl game since the 2015 season.
The 2021 Rutgers football schedule features three out of conference games and nine games in the Big Ten. Also included are four Big Ten football teams that were ranked in preseason.
Here is Rutgers football 2021 schedule:
| Week | Date | Opponent | Time |
| 1 | 9/2 | vs. Temple | 6:30 p.m. |
| 2 | 9/11 | at Syracuse | 2:00 p.m. |
| 3 | 9/18 | Delaware | 3:30 p.m. |
| 4 | 9/25 | @ Michigan | 3:30 p.m. |
| 5 | 10/2 | Ohio State | 1:00 p.m. |
| 6 | 10/9 | Michigan State | 12:00 p.m. |
| 7 | 10/16 | @ Northwestern | 12:00 p.m. |
| 8 | 10/30 | @Illinois | 12:00 p.m. |
| 9 | 11/6 | Wisconsin | 1:00 p.m. |
| 10 | 11/13 | @ Indiana | 1:00 p.m. |
| 11 | 11/20 | At Penn State | 1:00 p.m. |
| 12 | 11/27 | Maryland | 1:00 p.m. |