# Rutgers Extends Losing Streak to 44 Games Against Top 25 Teams USC defeats Rutgers 42-35, marking Rutgers' 44th consecutive loss to ranked opponents. - **Source:** [Forbes - Business](https://brifing.si/source/e0310925-a7af-4d4b-80a7-c80d400e49fa) - **Published:** 2026-09-20 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/456a693b-e963-404f-96e8-d0bafaced0eb ## Rutgers' Historic Losing Streak Rutgers University's football team extended its losing streak against AP top 25 opponents to 44 games after a 42-35 defeat by No. 12 USC. This streak highlights the team's ongoing struggles against top-tier competition. The game was part of Rutgers' 0-3 start to the season, reflecting broader challenges in the program. Such streaks are rare in college football, underscoring the difficulty of breaking the cycle. ## Close Game Against USC Despite the loss, Rutgers showed competitiveness against USC, a nationally ranked team. The 42-35 scoreline suggests Rutgers was able to keep pace offensively, which is a positive takeaway. However, defensive lapses likely cost them the game. Close losses to ranked teams can still damage team morale over time. ## USC's Performance USC, ranked No. 12, managed to secure the win but allowed Rutgers to stay within striking distance. This could raise questions about USC's defensive consistency. The Trojans' ability to close out games against lower-ranked opponents will be tested as the season progresses. A win is a win, but margins matter for playoff considerations. ## Rutgers' Season Outlook Starting the season 0-3 is a tough hole for Rutgers to climb out of. The team's schedule doesn't get easier, with more ranked opponents likely ahead. The psychological toll of a 44-game losing streak against top teams can't be underestimated. Coaching staff will need to focus on small victories to rebuild confidence. ## Historical Context A 44-game losing streak against ranked opponents is one of the longest in college football history. It speaks to systemic issues within the program, from recruiting to development. Other programs have rebounded from similar slumps, but it requires significant investment. Rutgers' administration faces tough decisions about the team's future direction. ## Fan and Alumni Reactions Rutgers' fan base has endured years of frustration with the football program. Close losses like this one offer glimpses of hope but ultimately prolong the agony. Alumni and donors may start demanding changes if the streak continues. Sustained failure can erode the program's cultural and financial support. ## Recruiting Challenges Losing streaks against ranked teams make recruiting top talent more difficult. High school athletes want to play for winning programs with national exposure. Rutgers' inability to compete with elite teams limits its appeal. This creates a vicious cycle that's hard to break without a major turnaround. ## Broader Implications Rutgers' struggles reflect the growing divide between college football's elite and the rest. Programs without historic success or massive budgets find it increasingly hard to compete. The 44-game streak is a symptom of wider systemic issues in the sport. Real change would require structural reforms in how resources are distributed. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.forbes.com/sites/timcasey/2026/09/19/rutgers-stays-close-with-usc-but-loses-44th-straight-against-top-25-team/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._