Rutgers Football vs. Ohio Staff Picks and Predictions

The 2025 Rutgers Football Season kicks off tonight with a highly anticipated season opener vs the Ohio Bobcats.

Rutgers is looking to win its eighth consecutive season opener against the defending MAC Champions. Here is the predictions and picks ahead of the matchup from our staff here at WRSU Sports:

Phil Jaccoma, Sports Director:

Score Prediction: Rutgers wins 31-17

“Rutgers offense picks up where it left off last season and Athan lights up the inexperienced Ohio Defense. Fifth-year quarterback Parker Navarro will still get his, he’ll manage to put up 17 on a Rutgers Defense with a lot of new pieces.”

Will Carmenaty, Program Director/Assistant Sports Director:

Score Prediction: Rutgers wins 41-21

“Similar to last year’s opener, I see the Rutgers Defense either scoring or setting up the first touchdown. Ohio lost some of its key offensive weapons from last season, but can still run up the scoreboard. Athan will throw for minimum 150 yards. I say that number because this will be a great test to try out the RB committee, and I see all RBs getting solid carries and playing time.”

Sean Newcomb, Contributing Analyst:

Score Prediction: Rutgers wins 35-20

“Parker Navarro is a serious threat on the ground for Ohio, but the lack of a pass game and true wide receiver one will leave Greg Schiano’s defense ready to pounce. Rutgers will take advantage of a new head coach and a refurbished Ohio defense on the ground. If the Scarlet Knights can stop the read option and not overcomplicate their offensive game, I believe they will see victory. Rutgers has won seven straight season-openers and I do not expect it to change, but the Bobcats are not your average group of five team, so the Scarlet Knights will have to work for the win, and must not overlook their opponent.”

Frankie Palumbo, Contributing Analyst:

Score Prediction: Rutgers wins 27-3

“I think the offense gets out to a huge start early and goes up by multiple scores. I think the defense also has a strong outing.”

Woody Silverstein, Contributing Analyst:

Score Prediction: Rutgers wins 30-24

“Ohio is returning a good amount of their MAC best offense from last year, so the defense will struggle out of the gate. RU’s offense will be able to keep up and outlast Ohio.”

Noah Addeo, Contributing Analyst:

Score Prediction: Rutgers wins 31-21

“Despite this being a non-conference game, The Ohio Bobcats, coming off a MAC Championship, should keep things closer than expected. Senior QB Parker Navarro, one of the better “Group of Five” quarterbacks, will surely make this a tougher matchup for Rutgers than their last MAC opponent, Akron, who the Knights beat 49-17 on September 7, 2024.”

Kickoff between Rutgers and Ohio is set for 6:00PM Tonight. Coverage begins with Rutgers Countdown at 5:00PM, Phil Jaccoma and Will Carmenaty have the call starting at 5:45PM. Listen live on 88.7FM and online at wrsu.org.