Steve Pikiell's Last Stand: Can Rutgers Basketball Turn It Around in 2025-26?
The pressure is on for Rutgers basketball head coach Steve Pikiell. After seeing two of his star players, Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey, drafted in the top 10, Pikiell faces a pivotal season in 2025-26. While their individual success was impressive, it didn't translate into team victories for the Scarlet Knights. This season feels like a make-or-break moment for Pikiell's tenure.
But here's where it gets interesting: Rutgers is undergoing a significant roster overhaul. Seven incoming freshmen will join the squad, forcing them to contribute immediately. Luckily, they have a solid foundation with sophomores Dylan Grant and Bryce Dortch, who gained valuable experience last season and are poised to step into leadership roles. JaMichael Davis adds further depth to the backcourt, aiming to fill the void left by the departing stars. Up front, junior Emmanuel Ogbole, a seasoned starter, will anchor the paint.
And this is the part most people miss: Rutgers didn't just rely on freshmen. They strategically bolstered their roster through the transfer portal, acquiring key pieces like the highly touted 6-foot-11 junior Baye Fall, who's looking to finally showcase his potential after limited playing time at Arkansas and Kansas State. Darren Buchanan Jr., a proven scorer from George Washington, adds much-needed guard depth.
The freshman class itself is promising, featuring two 4-star recruits. Dorian Jones, the top player from Ohio, is expected to make an immediate impact, as is Chris Nwuli, who already has chemistry with fellow freshman Lino Mark from their AAU days. The Knights also added international flair with Harun Zrno from Bosnia and Denis Badalau from Romania, rounding out a diverse and talented group that includes Gevonte Ware and Kaden Powers.
Can this blend of youth and experience gel quickly enough to compete in the grueling Big Ten?
The schedule doesn't offer much respite. After a few early home games against East Coast opponents, Rutgers heads to Las Vegas for the Players Era Festival, facing tough competition like Tennessee and Notre Dame. The Big Ten opener is a brutal one-two punch: hosting favorite Purdue followed by a trip to Michigan. Later, they'll face Seton Hall in Newark and a gauntlet of Big Ten powerhouses at home, including Ohio State, Oregon, and Michigan State. Road games against Illinois, Wisconsin, and UCLA promise to be equally challenging.
The Scarlet Knights have always been known for their grit and determination under Pikiell. But with a young roster and a daunting schedule, expectations are tempered. While they'll undoubtedly play hard, making the NCAA Tournament seems like a long shot, let alone finishing in the top 15 of the Big Ten.
Is this the end of the road for Steve Pikiell at Rutgers? Or can he orchestrate a surprising turnaround with this new-look squad? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
