Breaking: Nebraska vs Rutgers Faces a Critical Big Ten Test

Rutgers football prepares to host Nebraska at SHI Stadium

Image Source: Rutgers University Athletics

Nebraska vs Rutgers takes center stage Saturday as the Scarlet Knights return to SHI Stadium for a significant Big Ten matchup. Rutgers will host the Cornhuskers on Nov. 14 at 12:30 p.m. ET in Piscataway, New Jersey, with the game airing on Big Ten Network.

Rutgers enters the contest at 2-7 overall and 1-5 in conference play, while Nebraska arrives with a 5-4 record and a 2-4 mark in the Big Ten. The Scarlet Knights are looking to reverse their momentum after suffering a 31-10 defeat at Wisconsin on Nov. 7.

Nebraska vs Rutgers brings a critical Big Ten challenge

The matchup offers Rutgers an important opportunity to finish the home portion of its schedule with a strong performance. The Scarlet Knights showed flashes against Wisconsin, including a 30-yard touchdown pass from AJ Surace to Dyzier Carter, but the Badgers pulled away with 21 unanswered points.

Surace completed 14 passes for 161 yards in the loss, while Ben Black III recorded career highs with six receptions for 70 yards. On defense, DJ Allen and Zaire Angoy each registered sacks, Malachi Davis recovered a fumble, and Tariq Hayer led Rutgers with seven tackles.

Nebraska, coached by Matt Rhule, presents another physical test. The Cornhuskers and Scarlet Knights last met in 2024, when Nebraska earned a 14-7 victory in Lincoln. Rutgers held Nebraska scoreless and limited the Cornhuskers to 55 total yards in the second half, but could not overcome Nebraska’s early touchdowns.

Explosive Rutgers playmakers could decide the game

Rutgers enters the contest with several productive offensive weapons. Wide receiver KJ Duff ranks seventh nationally with nine receiving touchdowns and 12th with 96.8 receiving yards per game. He has surpassed 100 receiving yards four times this season and is one touchdown away from tying the program’s single-season record.

Running back Antwan Raymond leads the Big Ten with 87.7 rushing yards per game and ranks third in the conference with 107.78 all-purpose yards per game. He has accumulated 2,487 career rushing yards and 27 rushing touchdowns, placing him among the most productive runners in Rutgers history.

Quarterback Dylan Lonergan has passed for 1,066 yards and 10 touchdowns in six starts, while Surace has added eight touchdown passes. Rutgers will need consistent quarterback play and an effective rushing attack to control the tempo against Nebraska.

The Scarlet Knights’ special teams unit may also be a major factor. Rutgers ranks fourth nationally in punt return defense and 18th in kickoff return defense. Kicker Dane Pizzaro is 8-for-9 on field goals this season, while Jack Scullion connected on a 45-yard attempt in the Wisconsin game.

Powerful Military Appreciation celebration planned

Saturday’s game will serve as Rutgers’ Military Appreciation event. The Scarlet Knights will wear American flag Block R helmets, and veterans, active-duty service members, military branches and ROTC members will be recognized throughout the afternoon.

Military vehicles will be positioned along The Rutgers Boardwalk, and a flyover is scheduled following the national anthem. Fans will also have an opportunity to hold a U.S. flag on the field during the anthem.

The Rutgers Boardwalk opens at 8:30 a.m. and will feature food trucks, giveaways, free rides, games, activities and live entertainment before the pregame parade and Scarlet Walk. The family-friendly programming is expected to create an energetic atmosphere ahead of kickoff.

Important SHI Stadium arrival information

Fans are encouraged to arrive early because of security procedures and updated traffic patterns. Stadium gates permit approved bags, while students must enter through the South Gate. Walk-through weapons detection will be in use, and spectators will not need to empty their pockets.

Parking lots open five hours before kickoff. Parking at Jersey Mike’s Arena costs $32 per vehicle, and shuttle service from outer Busch Campus lots begins three hours before the game. Rutgers also advises visitors to review stadium entry, parking and transportation information before leaving for Piscataway.

R Guest Services staff will be available throughout the venue to answer questions and assist fans. Attendees can text “KNIGHTS” to 69050 on game days for in-venue support.

What comes next for Rutgers football?

Following the Nebraska game, Rutgers will return to the road for a difficult matchup at Penn State on Nov. 21. Kickoff at Beaver Stadium is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET.

For now, the Scarlet Knights are focused on Nebraska and the chance to deliver a memorable Military Appreciation performance. With standout playmakers, special teams strengths and a home crowd behind them, Rutgers will look to produce a determined response against the Cornhuskers.

Frequently asked questions

When is the Nebraska vs Rutgers game?

Nebraska vs Rutgers is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026, at 12:30 p.m. ET.

Where will Nebraska vs Rutgers be played?

The game will be played at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, New Jersey.

What channel is showing the game?

The matchup will air nationally on Big Ten Network.

What is Rutgers’ record entering the game?

Rutgers enters with a 2-7 overall record and a 1-5 record in Big Ten play.

What is Military Appreciation at Rutgers?

The event honors veterans, active-duty service members, military branches and ROTC members with special uniforms, ceremonies, a flyover and fan activities.