PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Rutgers men's soccer has entered the consensus national rankings after its 7-0-1 start to the 2021 season, debuting at No. 21 in the United Soccer Coaches poll on Tuesday. Top Drawer Soccer has the Scarlet Knights as the top Big Ten team at No. 12, while College Soccer News lists RU at No. 19 this week.
 
Off to its best start to a season since 1985's 8-0 commencement, Rutgers vaulted into the national rankings with a 2-1 road victory at then-No. 11 Indiana on Friday evening. It was the Scarlet Knights' first win over a ranked opponent since 2015. Rutgers is one of just 14 teams in the country without a loss through contests on Sept. 20.
 
The Scarlet Knights went from receiving no votes in the United Soccer Coaches poll to the Top 25. Rutgers is the second highest ranked Big Ten program behind No. 7 Maryland, which is Rutgers' next away game on Tuesday, Sept. 28 at 7 p.m. on Big Ten Network.
 
Rutgers earns its first national ranking since 2019, when another hot start under then-first-year head coach Jim McElderry launched the Scarlet Knights to No. 22 in the nation after a 6-0-1 unbeaten beginning.
 
The Scarlet Knights also bumped up from No. 7 to No. 4 in the North regional rankings compiled by United Soccer Coaches, behind Bowling Green State, Maryland, and West Virginia.
 
The Scarlet Knights host Wisconsin in the Big Ten home opener at Yurcak Field on Friday, Sept. 24 at 7 p.m.
 
 
 
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