New Jersey’s college sports scene has seen a whirlwind of action over the past week, highlighted by dramatic results across football and basketball programs, with Rutgers University at the center of attention. From the Scarlet Knights’ final football showdown to key wins on the hardwood, student-athletes and fans alike have experienced both highs and lows as the fall sports calendar transitions into winter.
Rutgers football closed out its 2025 campaign with a bitterly disappointing 40-36 loss to Penn State on Saturday, November 29, at SHI Stadium in Piscataway. The defeat not only dashed hopes for a bowl game but also extended a frustrating record against the Nittany Lions, denying the Scarlet Knights their first victory over the program since 1988. In front of a sold-out crowd of 55,212 fans braving near-freezing temperatures, the game was a tale of near-misses and late heartbreak. Quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis’ fumble, in which he was untouched, was returned for the game-winning touchdown, sealing Rutgers’ season at 5-7 overall.
Despite the loss, the Scarlet Knights’ offense had a historic season, featuring a 3,000-yard passer, a 1,000-yard rusher, and a 1,000-yard receiver in the same campaign—only the second time in program history this milestone has been achieved. Running back Antwan Raymond emerged as a breakout star, while wide receiver KJ Duff delivered one of the finest seasons in program history, highlighted by acrobatic, one-handed receptions that electrified fans even in defeat. Young quarterback AJ Surace, a Notre Dame High product, is expected to take over now that Kaliakmanis has exhausted his eligibility. Head coach Greg Schiano emphasized the team’s resilience and the foundation laid for future seasons, while acknowledging defensive struggles, particularly allowing over 425 yards per game on average, which undermined the Scarlet Knights’ high-powered offense.
Meanwhile, Rutgers basketball programs have made solid strides in the early part of the season. The men’s basketball team secured an 80-65 win against UNLV on November 27, demonstrating early-season depth and offensive balance. The women’s basketball squad also recorded a convincing 79-56 victory over Northeastern on November 28, showcasing strong fundamentals and team cohesion that could propel the Scarlet Knights into a competitive conference campaign.
Other New Jersey collegiate programs also saw action last week. The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) men’s basketball team kicked off its NJAC conference play with a win, while the women’s team experienced a narrow loss, highlighting the competitive balance within the league and the promise of the season ahead.
Looking ahead, several key games are set to test New Jersey’s college teams in the coming days. Princeton men’s basketball faces the Saint Joseph’s Hawks today at 1:00 PM EST at the CURE Insurance Arena in Trenton, while Rutgers women host the Saint Peter’s Peacocks at 3:00 PM EST on November 30. Rutgers men’s basketball is preparing for a marquee matchup when they welcome the #1 ranked Purdue Boilermakers on Tuesday, December 2, at 8:00 PM EST—a challenge that will test the Scarlet Knights’ mettle and could define the early part of their season. Seton Hall men’s basketball will host Central Connecticut State on Wednesday, December 3, at 7:00 PM, offering fans another exciting opportunity to see New Jersey basketball programs in action. Looking further ahead, Rutgers will travel to face Seton Hall in a heated intrastate rivalry game on December 13 at the Prudential Center, promising high-intensity action and packed arenas for the fans.
Across football and basketball, New Jersey colleges are navigating a critical stretch of the season. Rutgers football faces offseason questions about personnel and strategy as it looks to rebuild for 2026, while basketball programs are seizing momentum to establish themselves as contenders in both conference and non-conference play. The breadth of action across programs underscores the depth of talent and competition in the Garden State, providing a full slate of storylines for student-athletes, coaches, and fans alike.
For those following New Jersey collegiate sports closely, ongoing updates, game results, and analysis are available through Explore New Jersey’s sports coverage. With winter basketball in full swing and offseason developments in football, local fans have plenty to track and discuss as the athletic year continues.
