UMass pulls off historic upset against Rutgers in Week 1
By Sydney Hunte
Published:
There are sure to be plenty of upsets across college football in 2026. But while UMass’s 37-21 Week 1 win over Rutgers may fly under the radar a little bit, it can’t be understated how big a deal this is for the Minutemen.
Consider that UMass not only was on a 16-game losing streak, but hadn’t beaten an FBS opponent since 2023. That was when it defeated Army 21-14. Per Rodger Sherman, it’s the Minutemen’s first win over a team from a power conference since becoming an FBS program 14 years ago.
UMass was a massive betting underdog coming into this one at +29.5, too:
From a financial standpoint, UMass was paid $1.55 million to come to Rutgers, according to Darren Rovell. That’s the second-largest-ever loss in terms of a so-called “paycheck game”:
Looking at the box score, UMass quarterback William “Pop” Watson, a Virginia Tech transfer, completed 19 of his 22 passes for 197 yards and three touchdowns. He also ran six times for 40 yards. Curtis Kimmons posted 11 carries for 78 yards. Meanwhile, the Minutemen defense picked Dylan Lonergan off three times and held the Scarlet Knights to 30 yards on 25 carries.
No one is going to build a statue of Joe Harasymiak after this win. This is game one of a 12-game season. But, at least for one night, UMass football fans know what it’s like to be on the right side of the scoreboard.
Sydney is an Atlanta-based journalist who has covered everything from SEC and ACC football to MLS, the U.S. men's national soccer team and professional tennis. His work has appeared on such platforms as SB Nation, Cox Media Group and FanSided.
