Football fever is sweeping across college campuses as two highly anticipated matchups prepare to electrify fans on September 13, 2025. In Texas, the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) is abuzz after all 3,000 student tickets for their football showdown against Langston were snapped up in just over an hour. Meanwhile, up in New Jersey, Rutgers gears up to defend its home turf at SHI Stadium against Norfolk State, aiming for a historic 3-0 season start under the bright lights of the Big Ten Network.
Let’s start down in the Rio Grande Valley, where excitement reached a fever pitch on Monday morning. UTRGV’s Department of Intercollegiate Athletics announced that every single student ticket for Saturday’s game versus Langston had been claimed by 9 a.m.—barely an hour after the 8 a.m. release. For Vaqueros fans, this rapid sellout speaks volumes about the growing passion for football on campus. "It’s incredible to see this level of enthusiasm from our students," said a UTRGV athletics spokesperson. "The energy is off the charts, and we can’t wait for Saturday night under the lights."
But what about those who missed out on tickets? UTRGV has them covered, inviting all students to the H-E-B Tailgate Zone starting at 2 p.m. on game day. There, fans can soak up the pregame atmosphere, enjoy festivities, and later watch the action on big screens in the amphitheater at 7 p.m. The university is pulling out all the stops to make sure everyone feels included in the football festivities, ticket or not.
Adding to the buzz, the second episode of Vaqueros Game Day—a College Game Day-style show—will air live from Schlotzsky’s Vaquero Village in the UTRGV Fieldhouse courtyard from 10 to 11 a.m. on KRGV. Students can expect free food (while supplies last) and the chance to compete in an on-air contest for a $100 prize. It’s a full day of celebration, blending sports, community, and a little friendly competition.
Fans outside the student body aren’t left out either. A limited batch of single-game tickets will be available to the general public starting Friday at 8 a.m. via UTRGVTickets.com. Prices range from $15 for standing room to $50 for premium sections, ensuring options for every budget. For those planning to attend, RallyTheValley.com provides all the essential details for a seamless game day experience.
Traveling north, Rutgers University is set for a football spectacle of its own as the Scarlet Knights welcome Norfolk State to SHI Stadium in Piscataway. Kickoff is slated for 3:30 p.m. ET, and the stakes are high—Rutgers is eyeing a 3-0 start for the fifth consecutive season, a feat never before accomplished in program history.
Saturday isn’t just about football; it’s Band Day at SHI Stadium. Local bands will join the Marching Scarlet Knights for a pregame parade, a lively pep rally, and a halftime extravaganza, all while keeping the student section rocking throughout the game. The Rutgers Boardwalk, now in its fourth year, kicks off the festivities at 11 a.m. on Scarlet Knight Way. Fans can indulge in New Jersey’s best food trucks, hop on free rides, play mini golf, visit petting zoos, and even craft their own crowns as part of Sir Henry’s Kids Club. Magical characters, princes, and princesses will mingle with the crowd, making it a day for the whole family.
Rutgers has listened to fan feedback and continues to improve the game day experience. All gates are open for approved bags, and a walk-through weapons detection system streamlines entry—no need to empty your pockets. Digital tickets are now the norm, with support staff on hand to assist with any tech hiccups. SHI Stadium has also gone cashless for merchandise, concessions, and parking, but a cash-to-card kiosk is available for those who prefer old-school greenbacks.
For those making the trip, free campus buses will shuttle fans from Jersey Mike’s Arena lots to SHI Stadium, with ADA shuttles operating from multiple locations to ensure everyone can join the excitement. Fans are encouraged to download their digital tickets and parking passes before arriving, and to review Football Game Day Central for the latest updates.
On the field, Rutgers comes in hot. The Scarlet Knights have scored at least 30 points in six consecutive games—a streak last seen in 2007. Quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis is on fire, coming off a career-best four-touchdown performance in a 45-17 victory over Miami (Ohio). He’s now tied for the Big Ten lead with six touchdown passes and has thrown a scoring pass in eight straight games. Wide receiver Ian Strong is making headlines too, with nine catches for 116 yards and two touchdowns last week, marking his third straight game with 100-plus receiving yards.
Defensively, Rutgers continues to shine. Linebacker Moses Walker leads the team with 14 tackles and two for loss, while defensive back Bo Mascoe snagged his second career interception, returning it 68 yards to set up a score. The Scarlet Knights are a force in non-conference play, boasting a 14-0 record since head coach Greg Schiano’s return and a 55-21 mark overall under his leadership.
Special teams remain a Rutgers hallmark, with the squad blocking 74 kicks under Schiano, including a nation-leading 11 blocked punts since 2022. Kicker Jai Patel has extended his school record to 16 consecutive made field goals, while punter Jakob Anderson continues to pin opponents deep, forcing fair catches and downing punts inside the 20.
The history between Rutgers and Norfolk State tilts heavily in the Scarlet Knights’ favor. The teams have met four times before, all in New Jersey, with Rutgers pitching shutouts in the first three meetings. The most recent clash in 2015 saw Rutgers rack up 543 yards of offense in a 63-13 rout. Will history repeat itself, or will Norfolk State flip the script?
As fans count down to kickoff, both campuses are alive with anticipation. UTRGV is reveling in a surge of school spirit, while Rutgers eyes a milestone season start. Whether you’re tailgating in Texas or marching down Scarlet Knight Way in New Jersey, college football’s magic is on full display this Saturday.
With both games set to draw passionate crowds and plenty of pageantry, all eyes will be on the gridiron to see which teams can capitalize on the momentum and deliver another unforgettable chapter in their storied football histories.
