Rutgers, Ohio match potent, proven offenses

After posting back-to-back winning seasons for the first time in more than a decade, Rutgers aims for greater success in 2025.

The Scarlet Knights open their season Thursday when they host Ohio in a nonconference matchup in Piscataway, N.J.

Rutgers went 7-6 last season while averaging 28.9 points -- the program's highest output since 2008. The team converted 44 percent of its third downs and threw only seven interceptions, both marks being the school's best in years.

Athan Kaliakmanis, who transferred from Minnesota prior to last season, threw for 2,696 yards with 18 touchdowns in his first year at Rutgers. Scarlet Knights head coach Greg Schiano continues to be pleased with the senior's progress, on and off the field.

In fact, Kaliakmanis was named one of the team's four captains, as disclosed by Schiano this week.

"Athan Kaliakmanis, our quarterback, has transferred in and has become literally the leader of our program," Schiano said. "This is definitely his football team."

Defensively, Schiano knows he can count on linebacker Dariel Djabome (team-high 105 tackles in 2024) and defensive lineman Jordan Walker, who had four sacks a season ago.

Meanwhile, the Bobcats went 11-3 in 2024, marking their third straight season with double-digit wins. Brian Smith coached the team to a win in the Cure Bowl after Tim Albin bolted for Charlotte, and he's set to begin his first full season on the sidelines.

Ohio's offense features quality players such as quarterback Parker Navarro, who accounted for 31 touchdowns (including 18 on the ground) last season. Sieh Bangura, who rushed for 1,982 yards and 22 touchdowns in three seasons for the Bobcats before spending last year at Minnesota, has returned to reclaim the starting running back position for Ohio.

"A really good back," Schiano said. "Downhill runner. Tough runner. A guy that we're going to have to strap it up (against)."

One player that Ohio will not have at its disposal Thursday is defensive end Bradley Weaver, who totaled 14.5 sacks for the Bobcats the last two years before transferring to Rutgers in the offseason.

"I'm excited to see (Weaver) because I love him as a person," Smith said. "He was a joy to coach."

This is the fifth meeting between the teams and the first since 2011.

--Field Level Media