The first Thursday of the college football season brings an intriguing nonconference clash at SHI Stadium. Rutgers, a Big Ten program seeking to prove its growth is real, hosts Ohio, a MAC power fresh off another double-digit win season. The meeting is rare, their last came in 2011, and it gives both teams an early chance to define how they will be viewed in 2025.
Ohio Bobcats
Ohio has established itself as one of the most consistent programs in the MAC. The Bobcats finished 11-3 in 2024, marking their third straight year with at least 10 wins. They closed the season with a Cure Bowl victory, continuing a run of postseason success.
Quarterback Parker Navarro directs the offense after accounting for 31 total touchdowns last year, including 18 on the ground. His dual-threat style makes Ohio dangerous in both designed runs and broken plays. Running back Sieh Bangura, who returns after a season at Minnesota, has already totaled nearly 2,000 career rushing yards in Athens and gives the Bobcats a proven feature back.
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The defense ranked among the MAC’s most disciplined last season, holding six opponents to 10 points or fewer. They will need to adjust without edge rusher Bradley Weaver, who led the team in sacks the last two years before transferring to Rutgers. Even so, Ohio’s front seven returns enough experience to maintain its reputation as a steady unit.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Rutgers is aiming for more after back-to-back winning seasons, the program’s first such stretch since 2007–08. The Scarlet Knights went 7-6 in 2024 while averaging 28.9 points per game, their highest mark since 2008.
Quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis led the offense in his first year in Piscataway, throwing for 2,696 yards and 18 touchdowns. He cut down on turnovers, with Rutgers recording just seven interceptions all season, a program-best in years. His ability to extend plays and improve third-down efficiency (44 percent conversion rate) helped spark the Knights’ progress.
Defensively, Rutgers leaned on linebacker Dariel Djabome, who posted a team-high 105 tackles, and lineman Jordan Walker, who recorded four sacks. Now with Weaver joining the defensive line, Rutgers adds a proven Big Ten-caliber pass rusher who also brings familiarity with Ohio’s offense.
More than just a season opener
This opener is more than just a fresh start. For Ohio, beating a Big Ten opponent would validate their standing as one of the nation’s top Group of Five programs. For Rutgers, winning at home means showing that their offensive gains and defensive stability can carry into 2025 and beyond.
It is Big Ten ambition against MAC consistency, with both sides seeking the same prize: respect on a bigger stage.
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