get out: rutgers leaving the big ten?

After this weekend’s embarrassing performance by the Scarlet Knights, it has become clear to me that they do not belong in the Big 10. Losing to UMass, a MAC team, is embarrassing enough, but to be trailing them by 3 scores going into the fourth quarter AT HOME?? Give me a break. Star WR1 and veteran KJ Duff was the whole offense yesterday, as usual. Duff is a future first-round pick and should not be knocked at all by his team's consistent poor performance. Without Duff, Rutgers would likely lose against UMass by 37 points, considering he had 196 receiving yards and all of their touchdowns. Here are 5 teams that would be a better fit in the Big 10 than Rutgers.

5. Notre Dame: The Irish would clearly contend for the title every year and would make the Conference much more competitive. While the Irish don’t have the guts to join a conference, I believe that they perfectly fit into the Big 10 both location-wise and athletically. If Notre Dame was in the Big Ten this season, I would predict the group to finish third in the Big 10 behind Ohio State and Oregon, 15 spots higher than Rutgers will finish (last). I truly believe that the Big 10 could use another powerhouse to match the depth of the SEC and another historic stadium which Rutgers clearly does not provide. The Irish come in at 4th in the AP poll to start the campaign. 

Hypothetical Matchup Prediction: Notre Dame 52-3 Rutgers.

4. Pitt: I believe that the Panthers would be a great addition to the Big 10. In 2025, Pitt went 6-2 in ACC play while Rutgers went a measly 2-7 in Big10 play. Another interesting stat regarding this past season was points for and points against. Last season, Pitt averaged a strong 33.7 points per game while Rutgers allowed 31.8 points per game. Allowing 32 points a game is horrifically bad. While differing competition is an argument on Rutgers side, the Scarlet Knights just allowed 37 points to the mighty UMass Minutemen. In 2021, Pitt won 11 games and took home the ACC championship. In contrast, Rutgers has never won the Big Ten. 

Hypothetical Matchup Prediction: Pitt 31-10 Rutgers. 

3. Boise State: Boise State has won 18 more games than Rutgers over the past 5 seasons. That is an unbelievable number. The Broncos also made the College Football Playoff in 2024, finishing 12-2 and winning the Mountain West. While Boise State brings in less talent than Rutgers, they have had some very notable players over the last 5 years, like Ashton Jeanty and George Holani. I predict that if Boise State entered the Big 10 their pull would increase significantly and they would actually surpass Rutgers in recruitment and in the portal. Albertsons Stadium iconic blue turf is also one of the most recognizable venues in College Football and would be a great addition to the Big 10. Boise State also came within 7 points of upsetting Oregon on the road on Saturday. The Broncos would compete in the Big Ten stronger than the Scarlet Knights currently do

Hypothetical Matchup Prediction: Boise State 27-16 Rutgers.

2. Colorado: The Buffaloes had put themselves on the College Football map a good amount in the last few years. While the Buffs have won 7 fewer games than Rutgers in the past 5 years, I believe that they have produced better talent, especially by positioning themselves as a great hub for young talent. Their talent pool would increase as well with an entry to the Big 10. I also predict that having Deion Sanders in the Big 10 would be great for media purposes; Colorado has been a big brand on social media recently. The Buffaloes certainly wouldn’t lose by multiple scores to UMass in Boulder. Colorado upset Georgia Tech in their first game, 14-13, a much better showing than Rutgers losing to UMass

Hypothetical Matchup Prediction: Colorado 20-9 Rutgers

1. Texas Tech: In my opinion, Texas Tech is the strongest contender to join the Big 10. Last season, the Red Raiders finished 12-2 and ranked 7th nationally. During that season they averaged 39.4 PPG and allowed just 11.8, blowing the Scarlet Knights out of the water in both categories. Over the last 5 seasons, Texas Tech has 14 more wins than Rutgers and appeared in a College Football Playoff. I believe that the Big 10 needs some Texas representation, and Texas Tech fits that scheme perfectly. The recruiting class for the Red Raiders is strong, with the number 2 overall pick David Bailey and Heisman contender Jacob Rodriguez as notable alums and proof that the Red Raiders can develop talent. Texas Tech would finish 4-5 in the Big 10 consistently with their recruiting and portal class growing once they enter the conference. The Red Raiders are ranked 12th in the country this season and look to start their season strong against ACU. 

Hypothetical Matchup Prediction: Texas Tech 38-6 Rutgers.

In an age of constant conference realignment, there is no reason to keep Rutgers in the Big Ten. The team has never won the Big Ten and simply exists to provide a free win for the actual contenders in the conference. It's time to abolish Rutgers from the Big Ten.