Rutgers Football Announces Spring Practice Start Date, No Scarlet-White Game

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Rutgers Football will begin spring practices on March 27th, but there will be no Scarlet-White spring game this season, according to Head Coach Greg Schiano. The Scarlet Knights are coming off a 5-7 season and are looking to bounce back in 2026, with a focus on overhauling their defensive coaching staff and having an open quarterback competition between third-year player AJ Surace and Boston College transfer Dylan Lonergan.

Why it matters

The cancellation of the annual Scarlet-White spring game is a notable change for the Rutgers football program, as it deprives fans of an opportunity to get an early look at the team ahead of the upcoming season. However, Schiano believes the decision is in the "best interest of our program" as they look to rebound from a disappointing 2025 campaign.

The details

Rutgers Football will begin spring practices on Friday, March 27th, but unlike previous years, there will be no Scarlet-White spring game this season. Head Coach Greg Schiano cited the decision as being "in the best interest of our program." The Scarlet Knights are coming off a 5-7 season, which saw them start 3-0 before losing three of their last five games, including defeats to Ohio State and Penn State. In the offseason, Schiano made significant changes to his defensive coaching staff, bringing in new coordinators and position coaches in an effort to improve a unit that was one of the worst in the country in 2025.

• Rutgers Football will begin spring practices on Friday, March 27, 2026.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The quarterback competition between AJ Surace and Dylan Lonergan will be a key storyline to watch as Rutgers heads into the 2026 season.