The Rutgers Scarlet Knights (3-2) will hit the road to face the Washington Huskies (4-1) on Friday night. Washington enters as a heavy favorite after splitting their first two games of their Big Ten schedule. Rutgers has been explosive on offense this season, but the Scarlet Knights will need to overcome recent lapses on defense to avoid an 0-3 start in conference play. Here, I take a closer look at this Big Ten matchup and give you my Rutgers vs Washington prediction for Friday’s game.
Our Rutgers vs Washington Pick
- Pick: Rutgers +10.5
- Confidence: ★★★☆☆
Game Snapshot
- Matchup: Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs Washington Huskies
- Date & Time: Friday, October 10, 2025, 9:00 p.m. ET
- Venue: Husky Stadium, Seattle, WA
- Broadcast: FS1
Rutgers vs Washington Odds
| Spread | Moneyline | Total (O/U) |
|---|---|---|
| Washington −10.5 | Rutgers +300 | Washington −400 | 58.5 |
Key Storylines
Washington’s defense is emerging as a strength. After holding Ohio State to just 24 points two games ago, they held Maryland to just 20 points in their last outing. The Huskies also expect reinforcements this week, with tackle Jayvon Parker and freshman linebacker Zaydrius Rainey-Sale likely to debut, and cornerback Tacario Davis pushing to return.
Rutgers has surprised many with its offensive output this season. Athan Kaliakmanis is second in the Big Ten in passing yards. He has been connecting well with wideouts Ian Strong, KJ Duff, and DT Sheffield. Running back Antwan Raymond is averaging two rushing touchdowns per game. However, Rutgers’ defense and special teams are liabilities. They allow explosive plays and have had mistakes in coverage and kicking. If the Scarlet Knights can keep the game close early and avoid defensive meltdowns, they could steal this one.
Quarterback Play
Washington’s Demond Williams Jr. has shown elite arm talent and resilience. In last week’s rally against Maryland, he threw for 275 yards and two touchdowns, engineering multiple scoring drives under pressure. He has eight touchdown passes and just one interception so far this year.
Athan Kaliakmanis is having a breakout year for Rutgers. His connection with his top receivers gives Rutgers a chance to light up defenses every week. But his protection and decision-making will be tested against Washington’s pass rush.
Betting Trends & H2H
- Rutgers is 3-2 against the spread through their first five games of the season.
- Washington is 2-3 against the spread heading into this week.
- All five of Rutgers’ games this season have gone over their respective totals.
- The Huskies are 3-2 to the over entering Friday’s game.
- Washington is 2-1 all-time against Rutgers. Rutgers won their first meeting as Big Ten opponents in 2024.
Rutgers vs Washington Model Projection
Score Projection: Rutgers 24 – Washington 31
Win Probability: Rutgers 24%, Washington 76%
Final Thoughts
Washington should get the win at home in this game to move to 2-1 in the Big Ten. However, I expect Rutgers to cover the spread on the road in this matchup. The Scarlet Knights are explosive enough offensively to keep this game within single digits. I think that is exactly what will happen, even if Washington ultimately comes away with the victory.
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