Photo of the Rutgers Football stadium shooting off fireworks during a game

Athletics

Get in the game as a fan or an athlete, and become a Scarlet Knight for life.

Home of the Scarlet Knights

Rutgers–New Brunswick is part of the Big Ten athletic conference and competes at the NCAA Division I level for men’s and women’s sports. Scarlet Knights provide thrills and excitement all season, and the grand tradition of supporting the team is a big part of the Rutgers experience. Teamwork on the field fuels a pride that resonates throughout the stands, and the entire campus.

Feel the Pride

A few of the milestones, achievements, and distinctions of Rutgers Athletics:

  • Rutgers is the Birthplace of College Football, hosting the first collegiate football game on November 6, 1869 against Princeton. Rutgers celebrated the 150th anniversary of college football during the 2019 season
  • During the 2021-22 season, head coach Steve Pikiell and men’s basketball became the first unranked program in NCAA history to earn four-consecutive wins over ranked opponents
  • Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey became the highest Rutgers players selected in the NBA Draft when the pair went No. 2 and No. 5 overall in the 2025 draft
  • Rutgers Athletics celebrated three medalist at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris: Kahleah Copper (women’s basketball) and Casey Murphy (women’s soccer) captured gold with Team USA and Sebastian Rivera (wrestling) secured a bronze medal for Team Puerto Rico
  • Rutgers track and field secured a national championship as Chloe Timberg won the title in the women’s pole vault in 2024
The Rutgers Block R flag being carried around the basketball court

Athletics News

Discover standout moments, achievements, and behind‑the‑scenes experiences from our Big Ten student‑athletes in this collection of sports stories that capture the pride and competitive spirit of our Rutgers community.