The Rutgers Scarlet Knights aren't hanging up their sneakers just yet. They've snagged a spot in the College Basketball Crown, an eight-team showdown set to light up Las Vegas from April 1-5. First up, Rutgers faces off against Creighton on Thursday, April 2, at 10:30 pm EST.
Joining Rutgers in this high-stakes tournament is fellow Big Ten contender Minnesota, alongside teams like Baylor, Oklahoma, Stanford, West Virginia, and Colorado. Some of these squads opted out of the NIT to take a swing at this opportunity.
Should Rutgers overcome Creighton, they'll clash with the winner of the Stanford vs. West Virginia matchup on April 4.
What sets the College Basketball Crown apart is its unique NIL payout system, where players can boost their earnings with each victory. It's a single-elimination format, adding extra spice to the competition.
Word from inside the Scarlet Knights' camp is that the entire roster is committed to playing in the 2026 College Basketball Crown. With the transfer portal opening on April 7, the timing is just right, as the tournament wraps up two days earlier.
The players were given the choice to participate and unanimously voted to hit the court. Last year, Nebraska, another Big Ten team, took home the title. The format has tightened this year, slimming down from a 16-team to an eight-team competition.
Catch the opening games on FS1 at the MGM Grand, with the final rounds airing on FOX from the T-Mobile Arena.
This marks Rutgers' first postseason appearance since 2023 when they entered the NIT Tournament as the No.1 seed but were upset by Hofstra in the first round.
Despite finishing the season with a 14-19 record, the Scarlet Knights found their groove late, winning five of their last nine games. Head coach Steve Pikiell praised the team's growth after a tough loss to UCLA in the Big Ten Tournament.
"I will tell you, this group, they became pros in how to prepare," Pikiell shared. "They take care of business academically, they get in the training room early.
They really grew in that area. Proud of them.
They watch film. When they first started, they didn't realize the importance of it.
Still enjoy that journey with them too."
With their eyes on the prize, Rutgers is ready to make some noise in Vegas.