The UMass Minutemen defeated the Rutgers Scarlet Knights 37-21 in a Week 1 college football upset, ending a 16-game losing streak against FBS opponents. The victory marked UMass’s first win over an FBS program since defeating Army on October 28, 2023, and the largest outright upset in FBS football in five years.
Rutgers entered the game as a 29.5-point favorite, according to multiple sportsbooks, but UMass dominated from the outset. The Minutemen scored 30 unanswered points in the second and third quarters, including a 17-point second quarter, before Rutgers managed a late touchdown drive. UMass finished with 200 rushing yards and 37 total points, while Rutgers managed just 30 rushing yards and 21 total points.
Key Performances
UMass quarterback William "Pop" Watson III completed 19 of 22 passes (86.4%) for 197 yards and three touchdowns, distributing the ball to eight different receivers. Watson became the first UMass quarterback since Liam Coen in 2008 to throw three touchdowns with an 80% or higher completion rate. Rutgers quarterback Dylan Lonergan threw three interceptions and lost a fumble in his debut before being relieved by AJ Surace.
UMass safety Jahmad Harmon contributed with two interceptions, including one that led to a pivotal fourth-quarter score. Rutgers’ defense allowed 6.0 yards per play, including a 12-play, 75-yard touchdown drive to open the game before UMass seized control.
Coaching and Program Context
UMass head coach Joe Harasymiak, a New Jersey native who previously served as Rutgers’ defensive coordinator from 2022 to 2024, called the win “a proud moment” for his team. Harasymiak’s family, including his parents and brothers, attended the game in Piscataway. “I think probably the most special part about it is, my mom, my dad are here, and my two brothers,” Harasymiak said. “I just face-timed my wife and my kids; they’re at home. So certainly, growing up here, an hour away, working here for Coach [Greg] Schiano, it means a lot, but I’m just really proud about our team and what we did.”
Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano, who returned to the program in 2020, had led the Scarlet Knights to several non-conference wins in recent years, including victories over Ohio, Miami (Ohio), and Norfolk State in 2025. Rutgers had not lost to a non-conference opponent outside a bowl game since 2019, when they fell to Boston College. The loss to UMass marked the worst defeat of Schiano’s second stint as head coach.
Financial and Logistical Details
UMass reportedly received a $1.5 million payout from Rutgers to play the game, which included pre-game fireworks intended to energize the on-campus crowd. The game was played at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, New Jersey.
UMass’s win was the second time in program history the Minutemen scored 30 or more points in a victory since 2023 and the largest FBS upset in five years, according to ESPN’s Anthony Gharib. The Minutemen’s victory snapped a 16-game losing streak to FBS opponents, dating back to their last FBS win over Army in 2023.