Key Takeaways
- Rutgers had a 7-9 season in the previous year, with some notable wins against top-ranked teams
- The team’s inexperience was a major factor, but they showed improvement as the season progressed
- The Scarlet Knights will look to continue their upward progression in 2026, with a focus on improving their offense
- New offensive coordinator Scott Bieda and returning players, including Colin Kurdyla, will play key roles in the team’s success
- The team’s experience and depth will be crucial in addressing the questions surrounding their offense and overall performance
Introduction to the Season
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights had a somewhat unpredictable 7-9 season in the previous year, with a mix of impressive wins and disappointing losses. Despite their inexperience, the team showed flashes of brilliance, including a season-opening win over Lehigh and a stunning upset of No. 2 Maryland, the program’s highest-ranked win ever. The team also beat Johns Hopkins, setting the Blue Jays off on a six-game losing streak, and knocked off Michigan in Ann Arbor in the opening round of the Big Ten tournament. However, the team’s inconsistency was a major concern, with only one instance of consecutive wins all season.
Assessing the Team’s Experience
Rutgers head coach Brian Brecht acknowledged that the team’s inexperience was a significant factor in their performance. "Whether it was young new guys coming into the program, or whether it was returning guys that were getting their first chance at a game day, I looked at it as a very young, inexperienced team," Brecht said. However, he also noted that the team improved as the season progressed, which is a positive sign for the upcoming year. With a year of experience under their belt, the Scarlet Knights will look to build on their momentum and make a deeper run in the NCAA tournament.
Improving the Offense
One of the key areas of focus for the Scarlet Knights will be improving their offense, which finished 61st in the nation out of 74 teams in scoring offense with an average of just nine goals per game. The team scored more than 11 goals just twice all season and were held to single digits nine times in 16 games. To address this issue, the team has brought in new offensive coordinator Scott Bieda, a former Rutgers star under Brecht who helped Michigan win two Big Ten championships during his three years on the Wolverines staff. Bieda will have the benefit of a much more experienced returning unit, with nearly 91 percent of Rutgers’ goals from last year coming from players on the roster this year.
Returning Players and New Additions
The Scarlet Knights will be led by returning players, including Colin Kurdyla, who had 27 goals and 13 assists last season. Kurdyla, a captain for the U.S. U20 Men’s National Team over the summer in Korea, will look to build on his impressive performance and provide leadership for the team. "He was always a dynamic player," Brecht said. "He’s big, he’s 6-2, he’s athletic, he’s got a great skill set, loves the game of lacrosse and he’s a student of the game. I think the experience really helped with his confidence and leadership. I see him coming back and I think he’s a year better, not just physically, but just emotionally, mentally, leadership-wise." The team will also welcome home New Jersey native Brendan Kelly as a graduate student, who played three years at Boston University and had a 43-goal season in 2024.
Looking Ahead to the Future
As the Scarlet Knights look to continue their upward progression in 2026, they will face several challenges, including improving their offense and addressing the questions surrounding their overall performance. However, with a more experienced returning unit, new additions, and a focus on developing their skills, the team is well-positioned to make a deeper run in the NCAA tournament. The team’s experience and depth will be crucial in addressing these questions, and fans will be eager to see how the Scarlet Knights perform in the upcoming season. With a strong foundation in place, the Scarlet Knights will look to build on their momentum and make a statement in the lacrosse world.