Greg Schiano’s Rutgers Football Boom Draws Record Fan Support

The 2025 Rutgers football season begins with more than just momentum. The Scarlet Knights’ fan base is similarly energized, as season ticket sales are at a 10-year high.

With kickoff against Ohio just days away, Rutgers officials confirmed 24,275 season ticket packages distributed. 22,408 were bought and 1,867 were free. The optimism over head coach Greg Schiano’s second term is transferring into higher support at SHI Stadium, up 5.9% from last year.

Rutgers’ biggest ticket sales since 2016 over 28,000 were sold. It’s also a dramatic 46.4% increase from the 2019 season, when the program struggled under former head coach Chris Ash and fan interest plummeted.

Current numbers are below the program’s all-time Big Ten peak of nearly 31,000 in 2015, but they demonstrate a steady rise back to prominence. Schiano will receive a $100,000 performance bonus for exceeding his contract’s 24,000-ticket threshold.

Momentum on and off the field

Ticket sales are rising like Rutgers. The Scarlet Knights have won consecutive seasons for the first time since 2011–2012, going 7-6. The first consecutive bowl games since 2014 were also reached.

2024 showed Rutgers’ resiliency. After four straight losses mid-season, the squad won three of its final four games, setting a school record for Big Ten wins. Rutgers lost a heartbreaker to Kansas State 44-41 in the Rate Bowl, but fans saw the fight they wanted.

Stronger Roster Before 2025

Rutgers looks ready to improve this season. Returning quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis leads a powerful offense with a veteran offensive line and a deeper wide receiver group. Wideout DT Sheffield from North Texas and running back CJ Campbell from Florida Atlantic, projected to boost offense, also helped.

On defense, Schiano and his team focused on pass rush and secondary. Experienced transfers Cam Miller (Penn State), Jett Elad (UNLV), and Jacobie Henderson (Charlotte) have strengthened the secondary, while Eric O’Neill (James Madison) and Bradley Weaver (Ohio) provide defensive production.

This mix of returning and new players has raised expectations for a club that now sees itself as a competitive Big Ten team and a conference contender.

Bigger Picture and Schiano’s Vision

Rutgers coach Greg Schiano has stated that his goals go beyond bowl eligibility. At Big Ten media day, he highlighted the program’s progress since he arrived six years ago, when Rutgers was “dead last” in the conference. He believes the foundation is strong enough to pursue a championship, even if it seems lofty to outsiders.

He stressed the importance of constant growth on the field and in the fan base. “We just come in every day and try to get a little better,” Schiano said. Backslides are prohibited. Just keep improving, and you’ll get there.”

For Rutgers, season ticket sales are more than numbers. They demonstrate fan trust that the program is improving and on the correct track. A competitive roster, increased attendance, and energized alumni make the Scarlet Knights a rising team and fan community entering the 2025 season.

Sources:

NJ Advance Media
Rutgers Athletics
Big Ten Media Day Statements