As Rutgers football gears up for its season opener, the team has officially announced a change in its kicking unit. Dane Pizzaro has emerged as the starting kicker, defeating Jai Patel in a closely contested battle during training camp. This decision marks a significant shift for the Scarlet Knights, who will face UMass on September 3 at SHI Stadium.
Patel, a South Brunswick High School product, held the starting kicking role for the past three seasons and was known for his strong performances, particularly during the 2024 season when he set a program record with 18 consecutive field goals. His reliability was evident as he concluded the 2024 campaign with 13 straight successful kicks. However, the 2025 season presented challenges for Patel, as he struggled with consistency, missing five of his first eight attempts in Big Ten play.
Despite the ups and downs, Patel showcased his ability to perform under pressure, notably hitting both the game-tying and game-winning field goals in a thrilling 27-24 victory against Purdue. He finished the season with a respectable 13-of-18 conversion rate on field goals, including a long of 51 yards. Nonetheless, the coaching staff decided it was time for a change, paving the way for Pizzaro to take the reins.
Pizzaro, entering his third year with the Rutgers program, had limited opportunities last season, attempting just one field goal. That attempt came in a high-pressure situation against Minnesota, where he attempted a challenging 56-yarder to potentially send the game into overtime. Unfortunately, the kick veered wide right, but it was clear that Pizzaro possessed the leg strength necessary for long-range attempts.
Head coach Greg Schiano recognized Pizzaro's potential, stating, "That’s not in Jai’s range. We’ve always had a long-range kicker and that’s what Dane was. As you saw, he hit it plenty long enough, he just missed it a little right." This endorsement from Schiano highlights the confidence the coaching staff has in Pizzaro's abilities as he steps into this crucial role.
With the season opener against UMass approaching, Pizzaro will now have ample opportunities to showcase his skills and solidify his position as the team's primary kicker. The change in the kicking game is just one of many adjustments Rutgers is making as they look to improve upon last season's performance and make a strong statement in the upcoming campaign.
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