Rutgers football, Monmouth set to play in 2020 opener

Josh Newman | Asbury Park Press

Show Caption Hide Caption Starting Quarterback still undecided as Rutgers Football holds Media Day Rutgers Head Coach Chris Ash is pleased with his team's progress as they ready for opening game, but still have work to do.

PISCATAWAY - A year ago, longtime Monmouth University football head coach Kevin Callahan said the possibility of the Hawks playing Rutgers was "closer than you think."

Callahan knew what he was talking about.

The two schools announced on Thursday afternoon a matchup to take place on Sept. 5, 2020, at High Point Solutions Stadium. This will be the season-opener for both sides, not to mention the first time Monmouth has faced a Power Five opponent.

Rutgers will pay Monmouth $375,000, per the game contract, which was obtained by USA TODAY NETWORK New Jersey via the Open Public Records Act.

Getting this matchup on the books represents a win for at least Monmouth, which is coming off a landmark 9-3 season, culminating with an at-large bid to the FCS Playoffs. The Hawks have dipped their toes into playing FBS opponents in recent seasons, against MAC opponents Central Michigan (2015), Kent State (2016) and, this season's opening opponent, Eastern Michigan.

“This game represents a tremendous opportunity for our football program, but for football in the entire state of New Jersey,” Callahan said in a statement. “I want to thank coach (Chirs) Ash for giving Monmouth the opportunity to play at Rutgers. Agreeing to play this game demonstrates Rutgers’ commitment to football in New Jersey and assists the development of our sport on all levels throughout the state. I know our team will be excited to test themselves against a B1G opponent in two years.”

This game once seemed impossible. In 2015, the Big Ten disallowed its 14 members to schedule FCS programs. In July 2017, that rule was loosened. If a Big Ten team has four league home games, it now has the ability to schedule an FCS opponent. In 2020, the Scarlet Knights are scheduled to host Maryland, Ohio State, Wisconsin and Michigan State.

After Monmouth in the 2020 opener, Rutgers will begin two new series. It will host Syracuse on Sept. 12 in the front end of a home-and-home agreement. The Scarlet Knights then travel to Philadelphia on Sept. 19 to take on Temple to open a four-game series.

Staff Writer Josh Newman: jnewman@app.com; @Joshua_Newman