College Sports Established
1899
Location
Piscataway, New Jersey
College Name
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Collegiate History
1973 - Present / NCAA Division 1
1921 - 1973 / University Division of the NCAA
1907 - 1921 / Athletic Association of the United States
Conference History
2014 – Present / Big 10
1995 - 2014 / Big East Conference
1976 - 1995 / Atlantic 10 Conference
1861 - 1976 / Independent
1958 - 1961 / Middle Atlantic Conferences
1851 - 1958 / Independent
1946 - 1951 / Middle Three Conference
1866 - 1946 / Independent
Nickname
Scarlet Knights - The Rutgers Scarlet Knights are a beloved and iconic team in the NCAA. But how did they get their nickname? It’s an exciting story that dates back to 1869 when the school was first established as Queen’s College.
At this time, the college had two popular nicknames: The Queensmen and The Scarlet. These names were inspired by elements of Rutgers' colors – scarlet red and black – adopted during its first intercollegiate football game against Princeton University in 1869. Some sources suggest that Princeton coined "Scarlet" for Rutgers due to their rivalry!
In 1955, after years of debate between students about whether or not “Queensmen” should be used as a nickname (some argued it sounded too feminine), university president Mason Wren Gross announced that all teams would use “Scarlet Knights” from then on out - combining both popular nicknames into one mighty moniker! This decision has since been embraced by fans across New Jersey and beyond; today, you can find countless fan gear featuring slogans such as "Fearless Knight," paying homage to this proud tradition at Rutgers University.
So next time you cheer on your favorite team, don't forget where their name comes from - Go Scarlets Knights!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1869
- 1900
- 1949
- 2006
- 2007
- 2014
-
Rutgers University football Beginning
In 1869: Rutgers University fields its first football team and plays the first intercollegiate football game against Princeton, winning 6-4. -
Middle States Intercollegiate Baseball League Champions
In 1900: The baseball team wins its first conference title in the Middle States Intercollegiate Baseball League. -
Rutgers men’s soccer team won its first national championship
In 1949: The men’s soccer team won its first national championship, defeating San Francisco in the NCAA Tournament Final. -
Lady Scarlet Knights – Cappie Pondexter
Pondexter attended college at Rutgers University. She led the Scarlet Knights to a 97–22 record and back-to-back Big East Championships in 2005 and 2006. She competed in four NCAA Tournaments, including an Elite Eight appearance in 2005. During the 2005–2006 season, Rutgers compiled a 27–5 record, including a 16–0 record in Big East Conference play. Pondexter took home several awards, ... -
Rutgers Scarlet Knights – Ray Rice
As a true freshman, Rice finished the season as the starting tailback for Rutgers. Rice rushed for 1,120 yards and five touchdowns during his freshman campaign, including a 217-yard performance against the Connecticut Huskies and a 195-yard performance against the Cincinnati Bearcats. As a sophomore, Rice gained 1,794 rushing yards with 20 touchdowns. His rushing totals set Rutgers’ single-season rushing ... -
Rutgers Football team Joined Big 10
In 2014: The football team joins the Big Ten Conference and plays its first conference game against Penn State.
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
History of the Scarlet Knights
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights have a long and proud history of excellence in NCAA sports, often facing off against formidable rivals like the Penn State Nittany Lions. From their earliest days as the Queensmen to their current status as one of the nation's most successful collegiate athletic programs, Rutgers has built an impressive legacy that continues today.
As one of only two original members still competing in Division I football since its inception in 1869, Rutgers is steeped with tradition and success on the gridiron. The team's first-ever victory came against Princeton University and was followed by many more over rival schools like Columbia University throughout its history. As part of college football’s Big Ten Conference since 2014, they continue to compete at a high level yearly for conference titles while regularly appearing in bowl games such as last season’s Quick Lane Bowl win over Maryland Terrapins.
Rutgers' basketball program has been equally successful, having made several trips to March Madness, including Final Four appearances twice during the 1976-77 season under legendary coach Tom Young. They have also had great success in other sports like lacrosse (where they won four straight national championships from 2015-2018), soccer (winning three Big East regular-season championships), baseball (reaching College World Series seven times), track & field (producing multiple Olympians), among others which makes them one formidable powerhouse all around when it comes down college athletics!
Overall there is no denying that Rutgers Scarlet Knights are among the greatest teams ever assembled within NCAA sporting landscape! With decades worth of solid performances across various disciplines combined with a passionate fan base backing them up all through thick & thin – it becomes pretty apparent why so many people consider “Scarlet Nation” a truly special place where dreams can come true both on off-field alike!
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