Rutgers Basketball 2025-26 Preview: Steve Pikiell’s Make-or-Break Season
The clock is ticking for Rutgers basketball head coach Steve Pikiell as the 2025-26 season approaches. After seeing two of his players, Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey, selected in the top 10 of the NBA draft—a remarkable individual achievement—the team still fell short of translating that talent into meaningful success on the court. And this is the part most people miss: despite those high-profile draft picks, Rutgers struggled to make a significant impact last season. Now, Pikiell faces what could be his final opportunity to prove he can lead the Scarlet Knights to consistent victories and secure his position beyond the upcoming season.
Let’s dive into what Rutgers brings to the Big Ten table in 2025-26 and why this season might be a turning point.
Roster Breakdown: A Fresh Start with High Expectations
The Scarlet Knights are entering the new season with a roster that looks almost brand new, featuring seven incoming freshmen who will be expected to contribute right away. This influx of young talent means Rutgers is banking on these newcomers to quickly adapt to the rigors of Big Ten basketball. Fortunately, the team isn’t relying solely on freshmen; sophomores Dylan Grant and Bryce Dortch, who stepped up significantly during the final stretch of the 2024-25 season, are poised to take on leadership roles. Alongside them, JaMichael Davis adds valuable depth, especially important given the significant losses Rutgers faced in ball-handling personnel.
In the frontcourt, junior Emmanuel Ogbole returns as a key player, having started 15 games at center last season. His presence will be crucial in anchoring the team’s interior defense and rebounding efforts.
But Rutgers didn’t just recruit freshmen—they also tapped into the transfer portal to bolster their lineup. The standout addition is 6-foot-11 junior Baye Fall, a player who was highly regarded coming out of high school but has seen limited action in college, with only 13 games played between Arkansas and Kansas State. Now, Fall has a fresh chance to shine in the competitive Big Ten environment. To strengthen their backcourt, Rutgers added Darren Buchanan Jr., a guard from George Washington who averaged 13 points per game over two seasons, bringing much-needed scoring and experience.
Among the freshmen, two were rated as 4-star recruits, including Dorian Jones, the top player from Ohio, who is expected to make an immediate impact. Chris Nwuli, another freshman, brings chemistry to the team, having played AAU basketball alongside fellow freshman Lino Mark.
Rutgers also expanded its international footprint by signing Harun Zrno from Bosnia and Denis Badalau from Romania, adding diverse skill sets and global experience to the roster. The recruiting class is rounded out by Gevonte Ware and Kaden Powers, who will look to carve out their roles.
Additional players to watch include transfer Tariq Francis and sophomore Max Fradkin, both of whom add depth and versatility.
Early Season and Non-Conference Schedule: Testing the Waters
Rutgers will open the 2025-26 campaign at home against Rider on November 5th, kicking off a series of games against East Coast opponents such as Maine, Lehigh, American, and Central Connecticut State—all hosted at Jersey Mike’s Arena in Piscataway. These early matchups will be critical for the young team to build confidence and chemistry.
Thanksgiving week presents a significant challenge as Rutgers heads to Las Vegas for the Players Era Festival. Their first opponent will be Rick Barnes’ Tennessee Volunteers on November 24th, followed by a game against Notre Dame the very next day. The intensity of this tournament-style setting will test the Scarlet Knights’ resilience and ability to compete against top-tier programs.
Big Ten Battles: A Grueling Road Ahead
The Scarlet Knights face arguably the toughest start to their Big Ten schedule in recent memory. On December 2nd, they host Purdue, a perennial conference powerhouse and favorite to win the Big Ten title. Just four days later, Rutgers travels to Ann Arbor to take on Michigan, another elite program. These back-to-back games will be a true litmus test for Pikiell’s squad.
The final three non-conference games include a high-profile matchup against Seton Hall at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, offering a chance to prove themselves against a strong local rival.
Within the Big Ten, Rutgers will enjoy several home games at the RAC against notable teams like Ohio State, Oregon, Northwestern, Indiana, Michigan State, Nebraska, Maryland, Washington, and Penn State. These contests will be crucial for building momentum and securing wins in front of their home crowd.
However, the road schedule is daunting, featuring trips to Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, USC, UCLA, Penn State, Minnesota, Maryland, and a late-season visit to the Breslin Center to face Tom Izzo’s Michigan State Spartans in March. These away games will challenge the team’s endurance and ability to perform under pressure.
Final Thoughts: Can Pikiell Turn the Tide?
What should fans expect from Rutgers in 2025-26? The team will be young and relatively inexperienced, which naturally tempers expectations. Yet, one thing remains consistent: Rutgers basketball under Steve Pikiell is known for its toughness and physicality. His teams always play hard for the full 40 minutes, and this season should be no different.
But here’s where it gets controversial—after failing to make a deep run despite having two of the nation’s top players last year, can this young and unproven squad realistically aim for the NCAA Tournament? Is it fair to expect a top-15 finish in the Big Ten with so much turnover and inexperience?
The reality is, 2025-26 might very well be Pikiell’s last chance to prove he can elevate Rutgers basketball to the next level. Will he rise to the occasion, or is a coaching change on the horizon?
What do you think? Is Steve Pikiell the right coach to lead Rutgers forward, or is it time for new leadership? Share your thoughts and join the conversation below!
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