Piscataway, N.J. – Rutgers Athletics is proud to join forces with Abbott and the Big Ten Conference in the second annual "We Give Blood" drive competition, uniting to help tackle one of the nation's most urgent health challenges. The competition aims to encourage a new generation of blood donors while saving thousands of lives along the way. 

• The 'We Give Blood' drive competition puts rivalry and school spirit to the test among all 18 Big Ten universities in a race to see which school can donate the most blood
• The winning school wins $1 million from Abbott to advance student or community health, awarded at the Big Ten Football Championship Game Dec. 6
• Students, alumni and fans can donate blood anywhere in the U.S. from Aug. 27-Dec. 5 to count for Rutgers. Donations can be submitted by texting "DONATE" to 222688 (ABBOTT) or visiting BigTen.Org/Abbott
• Show up to donate blood for your school and receive an exclusive, limited edition Homefield designed T-shirt
• Rutgers Athletics, in partnership with RWJBarnabas Health, will host on-campus Heroes Blood Drive on Tuesday, October 7

 
Someone needs blood every two seconds, yet some blood centers have less than a 1-day supply available. The need for blood is constant whether for trauma victims, mothers experiencing complications after childbirth, or individuals receiving cancer treatment. As people get older, they become less likely to be eligible to donate blood. At the same time, the number of young people donating blood has been falling in recent years. But Abbott, the Big Ten Conference and Rutgers University are looking to students, fans and alumni to change that. 
 
"Blood donations save lives," said Keli Zinn, Rutgers Athletics Director. "We are calling on Rutgers Nation to bring their passion and support to a life-saving mission. We need everyone – our students, faculty, alumni and fans – to come together and deliver a Rutgers win in the We Give Blood Drive on behalf of the thousands of people who need our help."
 
So show up and donate this 2025 season, rep your Scarlet Knights pride and save lives!
 
To participate in the competition, Rutgers students, fans and alumni can donate anytime between Aug. 27-Dec. 5 at blood drives or blood centers across the U.S.
 
Rutgers Athletics, in conjunction with RWJBarnabas Health, will host an on-campus blood drive on Tuesday, October 7.
 
Date: Tuesday, October 7, 2025
Time: 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Location: Rodkin Academic Success Center
201 Fitch Road | First Floor
Piscataway, NJ 08854
 
To register for this blood drive and several others in the local area, please visit BigTen.org/Abbott. Click on the Rutgers icon and make your appointment to save a life.
 
This year's competition brings even more chances for Rutgers to ignite school spirit and inspire first time donors. People who show up to donate and log their donation during the competition – including on national fan holiday College Colors Day on August 29 - can receive an exclusive, limited – edition Rutgers T-shirt designed by Homefield.*
 
Make Your Donation Count
Logging a donation for Rutgers is easier than ever. After you donate, you can submit your donation at BigTen.Org/Abbott or text "DONATE" to ABBOTT (222688).
 
The winner of the "We Give Blood" drive will be announced at the Big Ten Championship Game on Dec. 6 in Indianapolis. The winning school will receive $1 million from Abbott to advance student or community health. Donations will be tracked on a live leaderboard at BigTen.Org/Abbott throughout the campaign.
 
Let's roll up our sleeves and show what it means for the Scarlet Knights.
 
*Any potential incentives related to this program are non-transferable and not redeemable for cash. T-shirts are available while supplies last. For terms and
conditions, visit our website at BigTen.org/Abbott.