Lindy’s Sports published their annual preseason college football magazine recently, where they predicted what ranking in the Big Ten each team would have at the end of the season. The magazine, which has been doing these rankings for 28 years, did not have high hopes for Rutgers as they predicted the Scarlet Knights to finish 16th in the conference, ahead of only Northwestern and Purdue.
The main reason why they believe Rutgers will finish so low is their schedule. According to Lindy’s schedule rankings, Rutgers has the sixth hardest schedule in the nation. They actually believe that Rutgers is more talented than they were last year, just that their schedule is that hard.
“There is more talent in the program than at any point during Schiano’s return, and the Scarlet Knights are coming off winning four Big Ten games for the first time since joining the league. But breaking the seven-win mark in 2025 would be monumental given the schedule. After missing all three in 2024, the Scarlet Knights host Oregon in October and finish the regular season at Ohio State and at home against Penn State.”
“The resurgent Scarlet Knights are going to be hard-pressed to make it a third consecutive winning season. Nine of their opponents played in bowl games last season, and this is the only team that has to play Ohio State, Penn State, and Oregon.”
Lindy’s also gave a breakdown of what they believe are the strengths and weaknesses of the Knights heading into next season.
“The starting offensive line is loaded with experience. Kaliakmanis has a year of experience in the offense and some big-play receivers. Linebacker Moses Walker and Dariel Djabome should stabilize the middle of the defense.”
“Rutgers lost its workhorse running back in Kyle Monangai to the NFL. While CJ Campbell and Antwan Raymond could be a more versatile tandem, replacing one of the best runners in school history is a big ask. The Scarlet Knights have a lot of new faces on defense.”
In terms of Lindy’s end of season national rankings prediction, Rutgers dropped from 46 in 2024 to 78 in 2025, a 32-point drop.
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