College basketball is back, and Rutgers opens its 2026-27 regular season Friday night at home against New Haven.
Jersey Mike's Arena in New Jersey will be sold out, and the Scarlet Knights will lean on a backcourt headlined by Tariq Francis. The point guard is coming off a 17-point average last season and is aiming for a bigger year as one of the Big Ten's most talented guards. The question is whether he can push that number up to 19 or 20 points per game.
Francis won’t have to carry everything on his own. Lino Mark, his backcourt partner, is another key name to watch after an impressive season a year ago.
Mark is expected to take another step forward, and Rutgers will want him setting the tone early. His explosiveness, knack for scoring in double figures, and work on the glass, especially defensive rebounds, stand out.
New Haven comes in off a loss to Syracuse, but Rutgers can’t afford to take the Chargers lightly. The Scarlet Knights’ staff will want the team locked in from the opening tip, especially against sophomore forward Teshaun Steele.
Steele scored 18 points in the season opener against Syracuse and enters his second year after earning NEC All-Rookie Team honors as a freshman. He didn’t make a huge splash in his first season, but he could have a bigger role now, and Rutgers’ defense will have to sort out how to handle him right away.
Darren Buchanan Jr. gives Rutgers size, strength, and aggression in the starting lineup. Now in his fifth season with the program, Buchanan is in his final year and has a chance to leave a lasting mark. His job is clear: control the paint and clean up the boards.
That rebounding battle matters, and Buchanan is expected to lead it while also anchoring the interior defense. One of his best moments last season came against Northwestern, when he played a team-high 40 minutes and delivered the game-winning block late.
The matchup also carries a little extra novelty. Rutgers and New Haven have never met in basketball, even though the schools have crossed paths in other sports like baseball. Friday night brings the first meeting on the court, and Rutgers has a chance to make history with a win.
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