The college football world turns its eyes to SHI Stadium in Piscataway, New Jersey, on Thursday, August 28, 2025, when the Rutgers Scarlet Knights host the Ohio Bobcats in a compelling non-conference Week 1 showdown. Set to kick off at 6:00 PM ET, the 🏈 Ohio at Rutgers matchup pits a rising Big Ten program against one of the most consistently competitive teams in the Mid-American Conference (MAC).
Though Rutgers is the Power Five favorite, the Bobcats are no strangers to upsetting bigger programs. With new players, ambitious coaching staffs, and early-season momentum on the line, this Thursday evening contest is loaded with excitement for fans, scouts, and bettors alike.
🗓️ Game Information: 🏈 Ohio at Rutgers
- Date: Thursday, August 28, 2025
- Time: 6:00 PM Eastern Time
- Location: SHI Stadium, Piscataway, New Jersey
- TV Channel: Likely BTN (Big Ten Network) or FS1
- Streaming Platforms: FOX Sports App, BTN+, FuboTV, Hulu Live
This early-season clash will be one of several Thursday night games, giving it standalone attention and a prime spot in front of a nationwide audience.
🏟️ Venue Spotlight: SHI Stadium, Home of Rutgers Football
Located in the heart of New Jersey, SHI Stadium offers one of the most passionate environments in the Big Ten. With a capacity of over 52,000 and a fan base hungry for improvement, Rutgers has turned this historic venue into a true home-field advantage.
For Ohio, traveling into enemy territory for a season opener is a major test. But it’s also an opportunity to show off their skill and toughness on a nationally televised stage.
🔍 Team Previews: 🏈 Ohio at Rutgers
Rutgers Scarlet Knights: Building Momentum in the Big Ten
Head coach Greg Schiano continues his second tenure with Rutgers and enters 2025 with increased expectations. After a 7–6 season in 2024 and a Pinstripe Bowl win, the Scarlet Knights are starting to turn the corner in the ultra-competitive Big Ten.
- Quarterback Battle: Former Minnesota transfer Athan Kaliakmanis is expected to be the starter after transferring in the offseason. His arm strength and experience could elevate Rutgers’ offensive ceiling.
- Running Game: Junior RB Kyle Monangai, the Big Ten’s fifth-leading rusher last year, returns after a 1,100-yard campaign.
- Wideouts: Chris Long and Ian Strong will be key weapons in the passing game.
- Defense: Led by LB Deion Jennings and safety Flip Dixon, Rutgers’ defense prides itself on discipline and physicality.
Ohio Bobcats: Consistency and Experience from the MAC
The Ohio Bobcats, under head coach Tim Albin, have emerged as one of the MAC’s premier programs. After a 9–4 record and Camellia Bowl appearance in 2024, Ohio returns a deep roster that could challenge for the conference title.
- Quarterback: Sophomore CJ Harris takes over as the full-time starter after splitting snaps last year. His mobility and decision-making are key.
- Offensive Line: Anchored by NFL prospect Hagen Meservy, the line is a major strength.
- Skill Players: RB O’Shaan Allison returns healthy, and WR Miles Cross provides a big-play threat downfield.
- Defense: The Bobcats’ 3–4 scheme is led by edge rusher Will Evans and linebacker Keye Thompson, both experienced and aggressive.
⚔️ Key Matchups in 🏈 Ohio at Rutgers
Athan Kaliakmanis vs. Ohio’s Secondary
Rutgers will likely want to air it out early to test Ohio’s defensive backs. Kaliakmanis has the arm to make deep throws but must avoid turnovers.
Kyle Monangai vs. Ohio’s Front Seven
The Bobcats allowed just 130 rushing yards per game in 2024, but Monangai is a different animal. His power and vision make him one of the most dangerous backs in the Big Ten.
CJ Harris vs. Rutgers Pressure
Greg Schiano’s defenses love to blitz and disguise coverage. Harris will need to stay poised and make quick decisions against a relentless Rutgers front.
Special Teams Edge
Rutgers boasts elite special teams play, particularly in the return game and punting unit. Field position could play a major role in a game with few possessions.
📈 Betting Odds & Predictions for 🏈 Ohio at Rutgers
Opening Line: Rutgers -10.5
Over/Under: 49.5
These early lines reflect confidence in Rutgers’ defense and home-field advantage, but smart bettors are watching the Ohio moneyline closely.
Against the Spread Pick: Ohio +10.5
The Bobcats are a well-coached, disciplined team with enough experience to cover the spread. Expect a competitive game through all four quarters.
Total Points Pick: Under 49.5
Both teams rely on clock-consuming drives and strong defensive play. This matchup could turn into a field-position battle rather than a shootout.
⭐ Players to Watch in 🏈 Ohio at Rutgers
Athan Kaliakmanis – QB, Rutgers
This is his chance to prove he belongs in a Power Five starting role. Expect short, quick throws early before Rutgers opens it up vertically.
Kyle Monangai – RB, Rutgers
A potential All-Big Ten selection, Monangai is a physical runner who thrives in second halves. If he gets 20+ touches, expect big numbers.
CJ Harris – QB, Ohio
The most important piece of Ohio’s puzzle. Harris needs to extend plays and avoid mistakes to keep the Bobcats in striking distance.
Miles Cross – WR, Ohio
A true deep threat. Cross can change a game with one catch and will test Rutgers’ secondary on play-action.
Deion Jennings – LB, Rutgers
The defensive captain and tone-setter. Jennings flies to the ball and excels in coverage as well as blitzing situations.
🧠 Coaching Matchup: Greg Schiano vs. Tim Albin
This is a classic matchup of Power Five experience vs. Group of Five grit. Schiano’s resume and pedigree are well-known, but Albin has quietly built one of the most consistent programs in the MAC.
- Greg Schiano: 7–6 in 2024, 15+ years head coaching experience, defensive specialist.
- Tim Albin: 9–4 in 2024, 3 straight bowl appearances, offensive-minded and player development guru.
Both coaches are masters at maximizing talent, and this game will be a chess match between two high-IQ football minds.
📊 Team Trends Heading into 2025
Rutgers Scarlet Knights
- 2024 Record: 7–6
- Top-50 defense nationally
- 4–2 at home in 2024
- Key wins vs. Michigan State, Indiana
Ohio Bobcats
- 2024 Record: 9–4
- Top-3 MAC team for the third year running
- Offense averaged 30+ PPG
- 5 returning starters on defense
🔢 Series History: Ohio vs. Rutgers
- All-Time Series: Rutgers leads 2–0
- Last Meeting: 2019 – Rutgers 28, Ohio 14
- Both games were played in Piscataway
- First meeting since Rutgers joined the Big Ten
While Rutgers holds the historical edge, this year’s Ohio team may be the most balanced Bobcats squad the Scarlet Knights have faced.
❓ FAQs for 🏈 Ohio at Rutgers
When is the game?
Thursday, August 28, 2025, at 6:00 PM ET.
Where is the game played?
SHI Stadium, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey.
What TV channel is it on?
Likely Big Ten Network (BTN) or FS1. Confirm closer to game day.
How can I stream the game?
Available via FOX Sports App, BTN+, FuboTV, and Hulu Live.
Is this a conference game?
No. It’s a non-conference matchup between the Big Ten and MAC.
Who are the key players?
Athan Kaliakmanis (QB, Rutgers), Kyle Monangai (RB, Rutgers), CJ Harris (QB, Ohio), Miles Cross (WR, Ohio).
Who is the favorite to win?
Rutgers is favored by 10.5 points, but Ohio is viewed as a legitimate upset threat.
🏁 Final Score Prediction: Rutgers 24, Ohio 17
Expect a gritty, low-scoring battle between two physical football teams. Rutgers’ defense and home-field advantage may ultimately be the difference, but Ohio will not go quietly. This game could hinge on a single turnover or special teams play in the final minutes.
If the Scarlet Knights dominate the line of scrimmage, they’ll secure a season-opening win. But if Harris and the Bobcats’ offense can find rhythm early, we may witness one of Week 1’s biggest upsets.
📌 Why You Should Watch 🏈 Ohio at Rutgers
- Big Ten vs. MAC Clash: Intriguing G5 vs. P5 battle
- Quarterback Debuts: New starters for both teams
- Prime-Time Kickoff: One of the first Thursday games of the season
- Special Teams Impact: Rutgers is elite in this area
- Potential Upset Alert: Ohio is not your typical underdog
Don’t sleep on 🏈 Ohio at Rutgers. It’s the kind of Thursday night opener that could shake up early-season rankings and set the tone for both teams’ campaigns.