The Massachusetts Minutemen have finally put an end to their long-standing losing streak in college football, achieving a significant milestone by defeating the Rutgers Scarlet Knights 37-21. This victory not only marks their first win of the 2026 season but also snaps the nation's longest active losing streak, which had reached 16 games.
Last season, UMass struggled immensely, finishing with a dismal 0-12 record. The team entered the 2026 campaign with hopes of turning the tide under the guidance of second-year head coach Joe Harasymiak. The victory over Rutgers is particularly noteworthy as it is the first time in the program's history that UMass has defeated a Power Five conference team. Previously, their only win against a team from a major conference came in 2017 when they were an independent, defeating BYU.
In this match, UMass demonstrated resilience and determination after falling behind early. Rutgers scored a touchdown on its opening drive, but the Minutemen quickly responded, scoring a touchdown of their own. Following that, UMass took control of the game, scoring 30 unanswered points and effectively shutting down the Scarlet Knights for the remainder of the contest.
Entering the game as 29.5-point underdogs, UMass's performance was nothing short of impressive. The 37 points scored by the Minutemen is the highest total they have achieved since 2024, and the 16-point margin of victory is their largest against an FBS opponent since 2018. This win also ends a 23-game losing streak against FBS teams, with their last victory in that category occurring on October 28, 2023, against Army.
UMass has faced significant challenges since moving up to the FBS level in 2012, compiling a record of 28 wins and 142 losses (19.7%) during that period. The 2025 season was particularly tough, with the team ranking last in both points per game and scoring defense. However, with a new season underway, there is a renewed sense of optimism surrounding the program. Athletic director Ryan Bamford and Coach Harasymiak have emphasized the importance of investing in the program to foster improvement and success.
Quarterback William “Pop” Watson III made a strong debut for UMass, throwing for 189 yards and three touchdowns. His performance, along with the collective effort of the team, reflects the hard work and dedication that has gone into reversing the program's fortunes. Bamford has stated that the goal is not merely to win a few games but to aim for a successful season overall, with aspirations for the Minutemen to reach their first conference title game and postseason appearance.
With this historic victory, UMass is poised to build on this momentum as they look forward to the rest of the season. The Minutemen have set their sights on achieving further milestones, including their first bowl game appearance, as they continue to strive for success in the competitive landscape of college football.
Leave a Comment