The Rutgers Scarlet Knights (1-0) kicked off the 2025 season on Thursday night against the Ohio Bobcats (0-1) from SHI Stadium.
Rutgers quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis completed 18 of 23 passes (78.3%) for 252 yards, two touchdowns, and five carries for -4 yards. Both touchdowns happened in the second quarter. He threw a 54-yard touchdown pass to D.T. Sheffield and a six-yard touchdown pass to K.D. Duff.
Running back Antwan Raymond had 14 carries for 88 yards and one touchdown. His rushing touchdown happened in the first quarter for 14 yards. Wide receiver D.T. Sheffield made four catches for 85 yards and one touchdown, while K.D. Duff made five catches for 54 yards and one touchdown. Kicker Jai Patel made two field goals with a long of 26 yards.
The defense made 64 tackles, four tackles for loss, three pass breakups, and one touchdown. The Scarlet Knights held on to beat the Bobcats 34-31. Rutgers had 399 yards (252 yards passing, 147 yards rushing), and the team was penalized five times for 35 yards.
Ohio’s offense had 440 yards (239 yards passing, 201 yards rushing), and the team was penalized six times for 37 yards. Quarterback Parker Navarro completed 21 of 31 passes (68%) for 239 yards, three touchdowns, nine carries for 93 yards, and one rushing touchdown.
Running back Sieh Bangura had 16 carries for 86 yards. Tight end Jake Bruno made two catches for 27 yards and two touchdowns, while Mason Williams made two catches for 10 yards and one touchdown. Kicker David Dellenbach made one field goal for 30 yards. The defense made 67 tackles, four tackles for loss, one sack, and one pass breakup.
Next week, the Scarlet Knights host the Miami (OH) RedHawks on Saturday at 3:30 pm on Peacock.
