UMass opened its 2026 season with a 37-21 road win over Rutgers on Thursday night in Piscataway. The Minutemen trailed 7-0, then scored 30 straight points to take control.
Quarterback William "Pop" Watson III completed 19 of 22 passes for 197 yards and three touchdowns in his UMass debut. The Minutemen also ran for 200 yards and forced four Rutgers turnovers, including three interceptions.
Rutgers cut the margin to 30-14 on a 78-yard touchdown pass, but UMass answered with Curtis Kimmons IV's 17-yard touchdown run. Rutgers added a late score, but UMass recovered the onside kick and closed out the 37-21 win.
The result was UMass' first win over Rutgers since October 6, 1973, according to UMass Athletics. Rutgers' official recap confirms the same final score and the 30-point unanswered run.
