UMass prepares for 2026 Thursday-night opener at Rutgers

UMass will open the 2026 season Thursday, September 3, at Rutgers, giving Joe Harasymiak a matchup with his former program. Pop Watson is confirmed as QB1, Josh Nobles is returning, Jordan Washington is out with an injury, and Elijah Faulkner and T.Y. Harding are players to watch as the Minutemen seek to end a 23-game FBS losing streak. Rutgers's defensive overhaul and UMass's offensive struggles are central themes in the latest matchup previews.