Rutgers Reveals Starting Quarterback For 2026 Season

Rutgers University has announced that Boston College senior transfer Dylan Lonergan will start as the team's quarterback for the 2026 season. Lonergan will replace redshirt sophomore AJ Surace, who has served as the backup quarterback for the past three seasons. Surace has been backing up Athan Kaliakmanis for the past two seasons, with Kaliakmanis serving as the team's primary starter during his senior year in 2025.

Lonergan spent two seasons at Alabama, but did not play many games with the Crimson Tide. When he transferred to Boston College last season, he became the regular starting quarterback. During his time at BC, Lonergan completed 190 of his 284 passes for 2,025 yards, 12 touchdowns, and five interceptions.

According to offensive coordinator Kirk Ciarrocca, Lonergan's skill set was a good fit for the Scarlet Knights' offense. Ciarrocca also noted Lonergan's growth potential and his personal qualities as reasons for the decision. Kaliakmanis, who transferred to Rutgers from Minnesota, had a career-best senior season in 2025, leading the team while serving as the starting quarterback. Rutgers is scheduled to open their 2026 season against UMass on September 3 at SHI Stadium.