The 2025 season kicks off at SHI Stadium on Thursday, August 28, when the Rutgers Scarlet Knights (0-0) host the Ohio Bobcats (0-0) in a non-conference clash. Both programs enter with something to prove after very different journeys a year ago.
Ohio enjoyed a strong 2024 campaign, finishing 11-3 overall and 7-1 in Mid-American Conference play, tying Miami (OH) for the top spot in the standings. The Bobcats stumbled out of the gate with a season-opening defeat to Syracuse, 38-22, but recovered in a big way, rattling off wins in 11 of their final 13 contests to cement themselves as one of the MAC’s top programs.
Rutgers, meanwhile, put together a solid but uneven season in the Big Ten. The Scarlet Knights finished 7-6 and 4-5 in conference play, which placed them in a three-way tie for ninth alongside Washington and USC. The Knights started fast, blasting Howard in the opener and rolling through their first four games. But a midseason four-game skid derailed momentum before they closed the year strong enough to secure bowl eligibility.
Here, GOAL brings you everything you need to know about how to watch Rutgers vs Ohio NCAAF game, plus plenty more.
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Rutgers vs Ohio: Date and kick-off time
Rutgers will take on Ohio in a highly anticipated NCAAF game on Thursday, August 28, 2025 at 6:00 pm ET or 3:00 pm PT, at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, New Jersey.
| Date | Thursday, August 28, 2025 |
| kick-off Time | 6:00 pm ET or 3:00 pm PT |
| Venue | SHI Stadium |
| Location | Piscataway, New Jersey |
How to watch Rutgers vs Ohio on TV & stream live online
- TV channel: BTN
- Streaming service: Fubo
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Rutgers vs Ohio team news & key players
Rutgers Scarlet Knights team news
Rutgers counters with returning starter Athan Kaliakmanis, who put up 2,696 passing yards and 18 touchdowns against just seven interceptions in 2024 while also adding mobility with his legs. The Scarlet Knights’ backfield has depth in Samuel Brown V and Antwan Raymond, but they’ll also benefit from the addition of CJ Campbell Jr., who ran for 844 yards and 11 scores at FAU last year.
Wide receiver DT Sheffield comes over after a standout season at North Texas (822 yards, 11 TDs) and should pair well with holdovers Ian Strong and KJ Duff to give Kaliakmanis plenty of weapons through the air. Kicker Jai Patel brings stability after hitting 15 of 19 field-goal tries with a long of 49 in 2024.
Ohio Bobcats team news
For Ohio, quarterback Parker Navarro returns to lead the offense after throwing for 2,423 yards and 13 touchdowns while adding over 1,000 yards and 10 scores on the ground last fall. His dual-threat ability makes him the centerpiece, though backup Nick Poulos gained valuable reps last season as well. On the ground, Duncan Brune provides returning experience, but the big storyline is the return of Sieh Bangura, who rushed for nearly 2,000 yards and 22 touchdowns across three seasons with the Bobcats before transferring to Minnesota in 2024. He’ll be asked to reignite the running game.
In the passing attack, Chase Hendricks (471 yards last year) is the top option, supported by Rodney Harris II, tight end Mason Williams, and Caleb Gossett. On special teams, transfer David Dellenbach and veteran Alex Kasee are vying for the placekicking job.