UCLA is just weeks away from joining the Big Ten. After 96 years and 123 national championships in the Pac-12, the Bruins are at the forefront of the Big Ten’s West Coast expansion. Prior to UCLA’s official move, Daily Bruin Sports will preview the football, men’s basketball and other top programs of each school.

Football
2023 record: 7-6, 3-6 Big Ten
Coach: Greg Schiano

The cutthroat competition of the Big Ten East division – having produced all 10 national champions in the College Football Playoff era – is Rutgers football’s biggest obstacle.

But with conference realignment, the Scarlet Knights’ 2024 schedule may prove their golden ticket to success.

While Rutgers annually faced offensive powerhouses such as Michigan, Ohio State and Penn State, the dissolution of the Big Ten’s East and West divisional format will grant the team a significantly easier schedule in 2024.

By the luck of the draw, the Scarlet Knights will no longer face a gauntlet of nationally ranked teams. Their 2024 opponents include more manageable matchups against teams such as Illinois and Nebraska – two programs that sat at the bottom of the rankings of their respective Big Ten divisions.

This shift could enable Rutgers to capitalize on a less-grueling schedule and make a push towards bowl eligibility.

But heavy is the head that wears the crown, and if the Scarlet Knights hope to make an impact in a new era of the Big Ten, head coach Greg Schiano will have to lead them there.

After narrowly leading the team to its first winning season since 2014, Schiano will likely seek to fill the gap left by quarterback Gavin Wimsatt, who transferred to Kentucky at the end of the 2023 season.

One of his most promising candidates to assume the signal-calling mantle is Athan Kaliakmanis, a transfer from Minnesota. Kaliakmanis showcased his potential with the Gophers, throwing for 2,784 yards and 17 touchdowns.

In addition to the quarterback position, Rutgers may rely heavily on running back Kyle Monangai – the Pinstripe Bowl MVP – who led the Big Ten with 1,262 rushing yards in 2023.

On the defensive line, Rutgers will return both of its starting edge rushers, Wesley Bailey and Aaron Lewis. Adding Florida State transfer Malcom Ray into the equation provides an opportunity for a bolstered unit. Ray’s addition could strengthen the defensive front four even further, providing depth in a potential breakthrough season for the Scarlet Knights.

With the conference reconfiguration and a fortuitous schedule, Rutgers could have a genuine shot at shaking off its unfavorable past and proving its spot in the upper echelons of college football.

If Schiano and his squad harness this opportunity, Rutgers may very well be on the brink of a new era of success.

Men’s basketball
2023-2024 record: 15-17, 7-13 Big Ten
Coach: Steve Pikiell

Rutgers men’s basketball still felt an odd sense of familiarity in the 2024 NCAA Tournament finals despite failing to make the tournament itself.

Former Rutgers assistant coach Dan Hurley led Connecticut to its sixth national championship with the help of former Scarlet Knight guard Cam Spencer – who led the Huskies in field goals made and steals through the season.

While the win was a reminder of the success that passed through the Scarlet Knights’ program, it also highlighted the challenges the team faced after finishing second-to-last in its conference and exiting the Big Ten tournament in just the first round.

But with two incoming five-star recruits, the Scarlet Knights may find redemption.

Guard/forward Airious “Ace” Bailey was named the Georgia Gatorade Boys Basketball Player of the Year and a McDonald’s All-American after averaging 33.4 points and 15.5 rebounds per game during his senior season of high school.

Bailey, the highest-ranked recruit in program history at No. 2, also contributed 3.9 assists per game, highlighting his well-rounded skill set.

No. 4 recruit guard Dylan Harper, son of former NBA star Ron Harper, will join Bailey in the backcourt. The 2024 New Jersey Gatorade Boys Basketball Player of the Year averaged 22.4 points and 5.7 rebounds per game.

Harper and Bailey headline Rutgers’ 2024 recruiting class, ranked first in the Big Ten and third in the nation.

In addition to standout recruits, Rutgers bolstered its roster with transfers who could address the team’s offensive struggles.

Princeton transfer forward Zach Martini is a capable floor spacer who shot 38.5% from beyond the arc last season. Guard Tyson Acuff could add significant scoring power, having averaged 21.7 points per game. Guard Jordan Derkack may provide additional offensive punch with an average of 17.7 points per game.

If the pieces come together, the Scarlet Knights could bring the excitement of March Madness back to their home court.