Rutgers is heading into Week 2 with a new quarterback after one of the most stunning results of the opening weekend.
Following the loss to UMass, the Scarlet Knights are turning to AJ Surace for Friday night’s game at Boston College, ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported Tuesday. Head coach Greg Schiano said Surace will make his first career start after Dylan Lonergan left the UMass game in the second half with an injury.
That switch comes on the heels of a nightmare opener for Rutgers. The Scarlet Knights were heavy favorites against a UMass team that had not won since October 2024, yet the Minutemen walked into New Jersey and pulled off the upset. Rutgers also paid more than $1 million to UMass for the matchup, making the result sting even more.
Lonergan’s injury now leaves Rutgers in a tricky spot at the position, especially with a quick turnaround to a Friday night road game. Schiano said Lonergan has not practiced since the game, though he is hoping the quarterback can serve in an emergency role, according to Brian Fanseca.
The Boston College trip also carries a little extra meaning for Lonergan. He transferred from Boston College after throwing for 2,025 yards and 12 touchdowns last season, so this was already shaping up as a game he had circled.
Surace finished the UMass loss by going 6-of-9 for 77 yards and a touchdown after replacing Lonergan. Now he gets the first start of his career as Rutgers tries to steady itself after a disastrous Week 1.
After Boston College, Rutgers returns home to face USC.
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