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NCAA football (FBS I) opened the 2026 season with a stunning upset Thursday night as UMass defeated Rutgers 37-21 at SHI Stadium. The victory ended the Minutemen’s 16-game losing streak and gave the program its most significant win since joining the FBS in 2012.
UMass entered the matchup carrying the longest active losing streak in the Football Bowl Subdivision. By the final whistle, the Minutemen had transformed a difficult recent chapter into one of the most surprising results of the opening week.
UMass Delivers a Historic NCAA Football (FBS I) Upset
Quarterback Pop Watson III played a central role in the breakthrough performance. The transfer from Virginia Tech completed 19 passes for 197 yards and three touchdowns while also rushing for 40 yards on six carries.
Watson connected with Elijah Faulkner twice for touchdowns and found Joseph Griffin Jr. for another score. His efficient, balanced performance helped UMass score on seven of its 10 drives and build a commanding 24-7 lead by halftime.
That halftime advantage carried special significance. According to ESPN, it was UMass’ first halftime lead against a power-conference opponent since the Minutemen led Mississippi State in 2017.
- Final score: UMass 37, Rutgers 21
- Halftime score: UMass 24, Rutgers 7
- Pop Watson III: 197 passing yards and three touchdowns
- UMass scoring drives: seven of 10 possessions
- Winning streak snapped: 16 consecutive losses
Rutgers Struggles Continue in Disappointing Opener
Rutgers entered the game hoping to start the season with momentum, but defensive problems that appeared throughout last year quickly resurfaced. The Scarlet Knights allowed at least 30 points in eight of their 12 games last season, and UMass found repeated opportunities to move the ball Thursday.
“We got outlicked, outplayed and outcoached,” Rutgers coach Greg Schiano said. “There is no other way to say it. I didn’t have them ready.”
New Rutgers quarterback Dylan Lonergan had a difficult debut. He passed for 242 yards and two touchdowns but threw three interceptions and lost a fumble. Schiano said Lonergan left the game in the fourth quarter because of an undisclosed injury and was replaced by AJ Surace.
KJ Duff, an Associated Press second-team All-American, provided a bright spot for Rutgers by catching three touchdown passes. However, those scoring plays were not enough to offset the turnovers, defensive breakdowns and early deficit.
A Defining Night for Joe Harasymiak and UMass
The victory carried an emotional edge for UMass coach Joe Harasymiak, who previously served as Rutgers’ defensive coordinator from 2022 through 2024. Harasymiak also grew up in Waldwick, New Jersey, approximately 40 miles from the Rutgers campus.
Family members and friends watched from the stands as Harasymiak led UMass to its biggest victory since the program moved to the FBS level. He said his parents and two brothers attended the game, while his wife and children watched from home.
“Growing up here, an hour away, working here for coach Schiano, it means a lot,” Harasymiak said. “I’m just really proud about our team and what we did.”
ESPN Research noted that UMass’ 16-point win was the largest victory by an underdog of at least 29 points since Texas State defeated Houston 30-13 in Week 1 of the 2012 season. That result came in Texas State’s first game as an FBS program.
What the Result Means for the 2026 Season
For UMass, the win offers immediate belief and a powerful early-season identity. The Minutemen showed poise on offense, avoided being overwhelmed by the road environment and capitalized on Rutgers’ mistakes.
For Rutgers, the loss creates urgent questions before the Scarlet Knights move deeper into the schedule. The offense must evaluate its quarterback situation, while the defense needs to find answers after another troubling performance against a lower-profile opponent.
The opening-night result is a reminder that NCAA football (FBS I) can change quickly. UMass arrived as a major underdog and left with a landmark victory, while Rutgers must regroup after one of the most damaging defeats of the young season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score between UMass and Rutgers?
UMass defeated Rutgers 37-21 in the season opener on Thursday night, September 3, 2026.
How long was UMass’ losing streak?
UMass had lost 16 consecutive games entering the matchup. The streak was the longest active losing streak in the FBS.
Who was UMass’ standout player?
Quarterback Pop Watson III led the Minutemen with 197 passing yards and three touchdown passes. He also rushed for 40 yards.
What happened to Rutgers quarterback Dylan Lonergan?
Lonergan threw for 242 yards and two touchdowns but also had three interceptions and a lost fumble. He left in the fourth quarter because of an undisclosed injury.
