NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. — Urban Meyer, the celebrated college football coach who led Florida and Ohio State to multiple national championships, has identified Rutgers as a program primed to emulate Indiana’s stunning ascent to the College Football Playoff (CFP) elite. Meyer made his remarks during an episode of the podcast “3 and Out,” which he co-hosts with Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram II and analyst Rob Stone.
Indiana’s recent national championship run under coach Curt Cignetti has captivated the college football world, marking a rare and improbable rise for a program long considered a perennial underdog. Meyer pointed to this breakthrough as a blueprint for other struggling programs, singling out Rutgers as the next candidate to make a similar leap.
“Give me three programs that could be the next Indiana, meaning teams that are used to losing, have really bad records and can somehow rise from the ashes to become national champion,” Meyer said. “Rutgers is in prime position to be the next Indiana.”
Rutgers finished the 2025 season with a 5-7 record, a modest improvement but still short of bowl eligibility. Despite this, Meyer’s confidence in the Scarlet Knights stems from the program’s recent investments in facilities, recruiting, and coaching staff, which have laid a foundation for future success. The university’s commitment to elevating its football program aligns with the trajectory Meyer envisions.
College football analysts have noted that Rutgers’ location in the talent-rich Northeast and its membership in the Big Ten Conference provide strategic advantages. The program’s ability to attract recruits who want to compete at the highest level in a Power Five conference could accelerate its rise.
Indiana’s CFP breakthrough has already altered expectations for programs traditionally viewed as long shots. The Hoosiers’ national title run, which culminated in their first-ever championship, has sparked widespread discussion about parity and the potential for underdog teams to disrupt the established order.
Urban Meyer’s endorsement of Rutgers adds momentum to the narrative that college football’s landscape may be shifting. As the sport continues to evolve with changes in transfer rules, NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) opportunities, and expanded playoff formats, programs like Rutgers could capitalize on these dynamics.
For fans and stakeholders eager to track Rutgers’ progress, the Big Ten Conference official site provides updates on scheduling and standings. Meanwhile, the NCAA offers comprehensive coverage of college football regulations and developments that impact program competitiveness.
Urban Meyer’s perspective draws on his extensive coaching experience and understanding of what it takes to build championship teams. His success at Florida and Ohio State is well documented, and his insights carry significant weight within the college football community. The former coach’s prediction that Rutgers could rise from mediocrity to national prominence is a storyline that will be closely watched in the coming seasons.
As Rutgers aims to transform its football fortunes, the program’s progress will be supported by resources from the university and the broader athletic department. The Rutgers University official site details ongoing initiatives to enhance athletic facilities and student-athlete support.
With Indiana’s recent success proving that dramatic turnarounds are possible, the Scarlet Knights have a roadmap to follow. Urban Meyer’s confidence in Rutgers underscores the potential for college football’s traditional underdogs to rewrite the narrative and compete on the sport’s biggest stages.
