West Lafayette, Indiana — Athan Kaliakmanis threw for 359 yards and a touchdown, and Jai Patel kicked a 30-yard field goal as time expired to lift Rutgers to a thrilling 27-24 comeback victory over Purdue at Ross-Ade Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The Scarlet Knights (5-4, 2-4 Big Ten) erased a 10-point halftime deficit and overcame a fourth-quarter lead change to secure their second conference win of the season. Patel’s game-winning kick capped a dramatic final minute that saw Rutgers recover a fumble and drive into field goal range with just 59 seconds remaining.
The Boilermakers (2-7, 0-6 Big Ten) remain winless in conference play despite a valiant effort that saw them lead for most of the game before a crowd of 55,289 at their 103rd homecoming.
First Half: Purdue Takes Control
Purdue struck first on its opening possession, marching 77 yards in seven plays. Quarterback Malachi Singleton capped the drive with an 8-yard touchdown pass to Malachi Thomas at 10:24 of the first quarter to give the Boilermakers a 7-0 lead.
The Rutgers offense showed signs of life on its second possession, driving deep into Purdue territory. Kaliakmanis connected with KJ Duff for a 39-yard gain to the Purdue 36-yard line, and later hit Ben Black for 22 yards to reach the 12. But the drive stalled inside the 10, and the Scarlet Knights turned the ball over on downs at the Purdue 6-yard line.
Purdue capitalized on the defensive stand with an impressive 11-play, 92-yard drive that consumed 5:33 of the clock. Spencer Porath capped the march with a 20-yard field goal with just eight seconds remaining in the first quarter, extending the lead to 10-0.
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The Scarlet Knights finally broke through late in the second quarter with a methodical 17-play, 85-yard touchdown drive that took 5:32 off the clock. Antwan Raymond capped the marathon march with a 1-yard touchdown run with 12 seconds left in the half, cutting the deficit to 10-7 at the break.
Rutgers dominated time of possession in the second quarter, holding the ball for 12:12 compared to just 2:48 for Purdue. The Scarlet Knights’ defense buckled down in the frame, allowing just four yards of offense from the Boilermakers.
Third Quarter: Big Plays Define the Period
Purdue wasted no time reasserting control to open the second half. The Boilermakers needed just four plays and 1:50 to march 75 yards, with Devin Mockobee’s 32-yard run and Antonio Harris’ 37-yard scamper setting up Singleton’s 3-yard touchdown pass to Mockobee at 13:10, pushing the lead back to 17-7.
But Rutgers answered immediately with explosive offense of its own. On a five-play, 90-yard drive that took just 2:46, Kaliakmanis found Duff streaking down the left sideline for a 72-yard touchdown strike at 7:33, cutting the deficit to 17-14. The completion was the longest for Rutgers since Aron Cruickshank’s 75-yard touchdown against Ohio State in 2021.
The third quarter featured 24 combined points and showcased the big-play capability of both offenses.
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Fourth Quarter: Rutgers Completes the Comeback
The Scarlet Knights took their first lead of the game early in the fourth quarter with a seven-play, 90-yard touchdown drive. Kaliakmanis orchestrated the march with surgical precision, connecting with Duff for 42 yards and 37 yards on consecutive plays to set up his own 1-yard touchdown run at 7:45, giving Rutgers a 21-17 advantage.
“I can’t guarantee you that it’s going to work if you do what I ask you to do, but I can guarantee it won’t work if you don’t,” Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano said. “These guys, I’m really proud of them.”
Purdue refused to fold, however. Quarterback Ryan Browne led the Boilermakers on a seven-play, 41-yard scoring drive, finding Nitro Tuggle for a 14-yard touchdown pass at 4:43 to reclaim the lead at 24-21. The scoring play came after a crucial 15-yard pass interference penalty on Rutgers’ Bo Mascoe gave Purdue first-and-goal at the 14.
With 4:43 remaining and trailing by three, Rutgers’ offense took the field needing a response. Kaliakmanis delivered, hitting Duff for 32 yards on the first play to immediately move into Purdue territory. The Scarlet Knights methodically worked their way down the field, with Raymond carrying the load on the ground.
Facing fourth-and-2 at the Purdue 2-yard line with just over a minute remaining, Rutgers opted for the field goal rather than risk turning the ball over on downs. Patel converted the 20-yard attempt at 1:06 to tie the game at 24-24, setting up a dramatic final minute.
The Final Minute: Fumble Recovery Seals Victory
Purdue took over at its own 33-yard line with 1:06 remaining, needing only a field goal to win. But disaster struck on the first play when Browne’s pass was deflected at the line of scrimmage by defensive lineman Jordan Walker. After Browne caught the deflection himself, defensive lineman Farell Gnago punched the ball loose, and defensive back Jett Elad recovered at the Purdue 30-yard line with 59 seconds left, giving the Scarlet Knights a golden opportunity.
Ja’shon Benjamin rushed for 11 yards on first down to move the ball to the Purdue 19, and added another 6-yard carry to reach the 13. After a Rutgers timeout with two seconds remaining, Patel trotted onto the field for a 30-yard field goal attempt.
The snap was good, the hold was clean, and Patel’s kick sailed through the uprights as time expired, sending the Rutgers sideline into celebration and silencing the homecoming crowd.
“Jay had some struggles,” Schiano said. “And to go out there and make them in a clutch situation like that, really happy for him, happy for his development. And I think this will help him.”
It was Patel’s second career game-winner under two minutes in the fourth quarter, having also done so last season at Virginia Tech. It marked the first walk-off winner as time expired for the Scarlet Knights since Kyle Federico’s 26-yard conversion to beat Indiana in 2015.
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Schiano’s Emotional Victory
The win was particularly meaningful for Schiano, who became visibly emotional as Patel’s kick sailed through the uprights. The victory marked his 98th win overall, leading the Scarlet Knights and the 17th fourth-quarter comeback under his tenure.
“I just wanted these kids and the coaches so badly,” Schiano said, his voice cracking. “I’ve had success. I wanted it for those players because they have not balked at one thing we’ve asked them to do. And you lose four games in a row—I mean, that’s hard, with a bye week in there. That’s a long stretch.”
The coach compared the game to the team’s grueling winter conditioning program known as “mat drills.”
“Today, the whole game felt like mat drills,” Schiano explained. “But it’s great for our players. It’s a life lesson. When things aren’t going your way and things are going against you, just keep going.”
Schiano also acknowledged the physical and mental toll of the week.
“This may be the hardest I’ve worked in a week of football in my life,” he admitted. “So when that thing went through, I think the complete exhaustion hit me.”
Kaliakmanis’ Career Day
Athan Kaliakmanis turned in one of the finest performances of his Rutgers career, completing 19 of 27 passes for 359 yards, one touchdown, and zero interceptions. It marked his fourth 300-yard passing game of the season—the most by a Rutgers quarterback in a single season since Mike Teel had five such games in 2008.
Despite being sacked five times for 34 yards in losses, Kaliakmanis remained poised in the pocket and made crucial throws when the game was on the line. His 72-yard touchdown strike to Duff in the third quarter was a career-long completion, and his 42-yard and 37-yard completions to Duff on consecutive plays in the fourth quarter set up the go-ahead touchdown.
Kaliakmanis also added his third rushing touchdown of the season and sixth of his career with the 1-yard plunge that gave Rutgers its first lead.
Duff’s Record-Breaking Performance
Wide receiver KJ Duff was the primary beneficiary of Kaliakmanis’ aerial assault, hauling in six catches for 241 yards and one touchdown—a career-high and the second-most receiving yards in a single game in Rutgers history, trailing only Tiquan Underwood’s 248 yards against Buffalo in 2007.
Duff’s 241 yards set a Rutgers Big Ten record and marked the most for a Scarlet Knight in a conference game. It was the sixth 200-yard receiving game in program history and the first since Brandon Coleman’s 223 yards at Connecticut in 2011.
His 72-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter was a game-changer, and his two big catches in the fourth quarter (42 and 37 yards) set up the go-ahead score. The performance pushed Duff over 1,000 career receiving yards (1,186) in just 21 games played.
“Really proud of KJ,” Schiano said. “I kind of feel like there was a part of Ian [Strong] out there playing with him today. Those guys are locked.”
Raymond’s Workhorse Effort
Running back Antwan Raymond carried the ball a career-high 29 times for 116 yards and one touchdown, providing a steady ground game that kept Purdue’s defense honest. His 1-yard touchdown run just before halftime gave Rutgers momentum heading into the locker room and marked his 10th rushing touchdown of the season.
Raymond’s ability to grind out tough yards in the fourth quarter helped Rutgers control the clock and set up Patel’s game-tying field goal.
Benjamin’s Breakout Continues
Running back Ja’shon Benjamin set a new career high for rushing yards in a game for the second straight week, totaling 78 yards on eight carries. His 11-yard and 6-yard runs in the final minute set up Patel’s game-winning field goal.
Schiano was particularly proud of Benjamin’s development and commitment to the program.
“The guy I’m really super proud of is Benji—Ja’shon Benjamin,” Schiano said. “He very easily could have said, ‘Well, you got Sam Brown here, you got Antwan, I’m gonna go somewhere else.’ And he and I had a really, really pointed conversation last year. And I told him, ‘You stay here and I guarantee you you’re gonna be a really good player.’ I can’t tell you how happy I am for him trusting us and then him going out and doing it.”
Purdue’s Heartbreaking Loss
Purdue head coach Barry Odom was left to process another agonizing defeat in what has been a difficult inaugural season.
“That’s a hard way to lose one,” Odom said. “My guys fought this week. They poured everything they had into the preparation this week. They played with energy, they played with emotion, they played hard, and you come up short. It’s really difficult.”
Odom praised his team’s effort and refused to make excuses despite the 0-6 conference record.
“I was raised in a small town in Oklahoma, and the values that I learned there are about togetherness, family, love, toughness, resolve, and you just go find a way,”Odom said. “You don’t make excuses, you don’t give up, you don’t wave the white flag, you don’t feel sorry for yourself. You find a way to go get it done, and that’s the way I was raised, and that’s the way this place is. And I guarantee you we’re going to get this turned.”
The Boilermakers put together a balanced offensive performance, rushing for 217 yards and passing for 128. Devin Mockobee led the ground game with 16 carries for 91 yards and one receiving touchdown, while Malachi Thomas had three carries for 62 yards and one receiving touchdown.
Ryan Browne, playing through injury, completed 11 of 20 passes for 117 yards and one touchdown, while Malachi Singleton added two completions for 11 yards and two touchdowns through the air in a planned quarterback rotation.
Odom explained the decision to alternate quarterbacks: “Ryan’s our starting quarterback, but there are certain things we’re trying to get because Malachi’s playing well and has earned playing time. Anybody that we feel like is in a position to help us play winning football, we’re going to find a way to get them on the field.”
Nitro Tuggle’s 14-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter briefly gave Purdue the lead, but the offense couldn’t capitalize on its final possession.
Defensive Standouts
Rutgers’ defense was led by Kaj Sanders, who recorded a career-high 10 tackles. Farell Gnago’s forced fumble in the final minute proved to be the game’s most crucial defensive play, while Jett Elad’s recovery—his third career fumble recovery and first of the season—set up the game-winning field goal. Jacobie Henderson also recorded a tackle-for-loss.
The Scarlet Knights held Purdue to 1-for-9 on third down for the game, a critical statistic in limiting the Boilermakers’ offensive possessions.
For Purdue, Tahj Ra-El led all defenders with three solo tackles and 12 assists for 15 total stops. Charles Correa added two solo tackles and 11 assists, while Hershey McLaurin—who didn’t play at all until last week—recorded four solo tackles, eight assists, one sack, and one forced fumble in an impressive performance.
“His practice habits have become better,” Odom said of McLaurin. “He’s become more invested in what it takes to play at that position defensively, and he’s in position to make plays. That’s good to see because we needed it.”
Special Teams and Time of Possession
Jai Patel was perfect on the day, converting field goals from 20 and 30 yards while making all three extra point attempts. His 30-yard game-winner as time expired was his second field goal in the final 4:37 of the game and increased his career total to 40 field goals. It marked his 12th career game with multiple makes.
Rutgers dominated time of possession, holding the ball for 36:58 compared to just 23:02 for Purdue. The Scarlet Knights’ ability to sustain long drives—including a 17-play touchdown march in the second quarter and an 11-play field goal drive in the fourth—kept Purdue’s offense off the field and wore down the Boilermakers’ defense.
Penalties and Turnovers
Rutgers was flagged four times for 46 yards, including a costly 15-yard pass interference penalty in the fourth quarter that set up Purdue’s go-ahead touchdown. The Scarlet Knights also lost one of two fumbles.
Purdue played a clean game from a penalty standpoint, committing zero penalties for zero yards—a point of pride for Odom despite the loss. However, the Boilermakers lost their only fumble—the game-deciding turnover by Browne in the final minute.
Third and Fourth Down Efficiency
Rutgers converted 4 of 14 third-down attempts (28.6%) and 3 of 4 fourth-down attempts (75.0%), with the fourth-down conversions proving crucial in sustaining drives. Wide receiver Ben Black recorded a career-high four receptions, including two that moved the chains on fourth down.
Purdue struggled mightily on third down, converting just 1 of 9 attempts (11.1%)—a statistic that ultimately proved decisive. The Boilermakers were perfect on fourth down, going 2-for-2.
Odom acknowledged the third-down struggles: “You look at the ability to run the ball. I thought we had that on our side. You look at being able to execute and extend drives. Obviously, that was, as you point out, one of nine. You’re going to have a hard time if you can’t do that.”
Red Zone Performance
Both teams were efficient in the red zone. Rutgers scored on 4 of 5 red zone trips (80%), including two touchdowns and two field goals. Purdue was perfect, scoring on all 4 red zone opportunities (100%), with three touchdowns and one field goal.
Offensive Explosion
Rutgers totaled 543 yards of offense—the most in a Big Ten game since recording 596 at Indiana in 2015. The Scarlet Knights became just the second team in program history to have players reach 200 receiving yards and 100 rushing yards in the same game, also accomplished versus Buffalo in 2007.
The 543 total yards came on 75 plays, averaging 7.2 yards per play. Rutgers’ offensive balance was evident, with 184 rushing yards on 48 attempts and 359 passing yards on 19 completions.
Purdue finished with 345 total yards on 51 plays (6.8 yards per play), including 217 rushing yards and 128 passing yards.
Historic Milestones
The victory improved Rutgers to 3-0 all-time versus Purdue and 2-0 at Ross-Ade Stadium. It marked the Scarlet Knights’ first game at Ross-Ade Stadium with fans in attendance, having previously visited in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Rutgers improved to 93-33 under Schiano when holding an opponent under 30 points, 69-21 when totaling more yards of offense, 13-4 when compiling at least 500 yards of offense, and 60-37 when allowing less than 200 passing yards.
Offensive lineman Bryan Felter became the 22nd player in program history to appear in 52 games for Rutgers.
Consecutive Games Played Streaks
Several Rutgers players extended their consecutive games played streaks:
- DL Jordan Thompson (46 games)
- DB Cam Miller (45 games)
- DB Timmy Ward (42 games)
- TE Colin Weber (36 games)
- PK Jai Patel (34 games)
- OL Gus Zilinskas (34 games)
Looking Ahead
Rutgers will be on the road for the fourth time in five games when they face No. 23 Illinois on November 1st. Kickoff is set for noon ET/11 a.m. local time on NBC. The Scarlet Knights won the last meeting at Memorial Stadium in 2021, 20-14.
“We’ve got stretch and stride tomorrow for our Monday, we’ll go to practice,”Odom said of Purdue’s preparation. “We’ll have an hour and 10-minute practice, great film study, and a game plan for Michigan. Then we’re going to take it a day at a time and go to work.”
For Rutgers, the focus will be on building off the momentum of the comeback victory.
“Our big thing, as you know, is incremental improvement,” Schiano said. “We have to continue to get better every day. You let a day go by where you don’t get better; it’s a time for two more. We’re playing a really good Illinois team next week and we have to continue.”
Purdue faces a daunting November schedule that includes Michigan, but Odom remained defiant about his preseason goals.
“I’m not going to back down from that,” Odom said when asked about his preseason prediction of winning this year. “I believe that we’re creating a winning culture and eventually we are going to—I don’t know when that’s going to happen. You’re fighting and you’re swinging and scratching and clawing, and you’re going to eventually get there, but we’re not there yet.”
Game Summary
Final Score: Rutgers 27, Purdue 24
Date: October 25, 2025
Venue: Ross-Ade Stadium, West Lafayette, Indiana
Attendance: 55,289
Duration: 3:06
Weather: 49°F, Cloudy, Wind NE 5 mph
Scoring Summary
First Quarter:
- 10:24 — PUR: Malachi Thomas 8-yard pass from Malachi Singleton (Spencer Porath kick) — 7-0 PUR
- 00:08 — PUR: Spencer Porath 20-yard field goal — 10-0 PUR
Second Quarter:
- 00:12 — RUT: Antwan Raymond 1-yard run (Jai Patel kick) — 10-7 PUR
Third Quarter:
- 13:10 — PUR: Devin Mockobee 3-yard pass from Malachi Singleton (Spencer Porath kick) — 17-7 PUR
- 07:33 — RUT: KJ Duff 72-yard pass from Athan Kaliakmanis (Jai Patel kick) — 17-14 PUR
Fourth Quarter:
- 07:45 — RUT: Athan Kaliakmanis 1-yard run (Jai Patel kick) — 21-17 RUT
- 04:43 — PUR: Nitro Tuggle 14-yard pass from Ryan Browne (Spencer Porath kick) — 24-21 PUR
- 01:06 — RUT: Jai Patel 20-yard field goal — 24-24 Tie
- 00:00 — RUT: Jai Patel 30-yard field goal — 27-24 RUT
Team Statistics
| Stats | Rutgers | Purdue |
|---|---|---|
| First Downs | 22 | 14 |
| Rushing Yards | 184 | 217 |
| Passing Yards | 359 | 128 |
| Total Offense | 543 | 345 |
| Plays | 75 | 51 |
| Yards Per Play | 7.2 | 6.8 |
| Comp-Att-Int | 19-27-0 | 13-23-0 |
| Fumbles-Lost | 2-1 | 1-1 |
| Penalties-Yards | 4-46 | 0-0 |
| Time of Possession | 36:58 | 23:02 |
| Third Down Conv. | 4-14 | 1-9 |
| Fourth Down Conv. | 3-4 | 2-2 |
| Red Zone (TD-FG) | 2-2 | 3-1 |
| Sacks By | 0-0 | 5-34 |
Individual Leaders
Passing:
- Rutgers: Athan Kaliakmanis — 19-27, 359 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT
- Purdue: Ryan Browne — 11-20, 117 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT; Malachi Singleton — 2-3, 11 yards, 2 TD, 0 INT
Rushing:
- Rutgers: Antwan Raymond — 29 carries, 116 yards, 1 TD
- Purdue: Devin Mockobee — 16 carries, 91 yards, 0 TD
Receiving:
- Rutgers: KJ Duff — 6 receptions, 241 yards, 1 TD
- Purdue: Malachi Thomas — 3 receptions, 50 yards, 1 TD
Defense:
- Rutgers: Kaj Sanders — 10 tackles (6 solo, 4 assists)
- Purdue: Tahj Ra-El — 15 tackles (3 solo, 12 assists)
Notable
- Rutgers improves to 3-0 all-time vs. Purdue: The Scarlet Knights are now 2-0 at Ross-Ade Stadium and have never lost to the Boilermakers.
- Kaliakmanis’ fourth 300-yard game: His 359 passing yards marked his fourth 300-yard passing game of the season, the most by a Rutgers quarterback in a single season since Mike Teel in 2008.
- Duff’s record-breaking day: His 241 receiving yards set a Rutgers Big Ten record and were the second-most in program history, just seven yards shy of Tiquan Underwood’s school record 248 yards vs. Buffalo in 2007.
- Raymond’s 10th rushing TD: His 1-yard touchdown run was his 10th rushing score of the season on a career-high 29 carries.
- Benjamin’s continued development: Set a new career high for rushing yards (78) for the second consecutive week.
- Patel’s clutch kicking: Made two fourth-quarter field goals, including the walk-off game-winner—his second career game-winner under two minutes in the fourth quarter.
- Schiano’s 98th win: The victory was Schiano’s 98th overall as Rutgers head coach and his 17th fourth-quarter comeback.
- Defensive dominance on third down: Rutgers held Purdue to 1-for-9 on third down, the key to limiting the Boilermakers’ offensive possessions.
- Time of possession advantage: Rutgers held the ball for nearly 14 more minutes (36:58 to 23:02), wearing down Purdue’s defense.
- Purdue’s winless Big Ten streak continues: The Boilermakers fell to 0-6 in conference play in Barry Odom’s first season.
- Gnago and Elad’s game-changing play: Gnago’s forced fumble and Elad’s recovery with 59 seconds left set up the game-winning field goal.
- Black’s fourth-down heroics: Recorded a career-high four receptions, including two crucial fourth-down conversions.
- Most yards in a Big Ten game since 2015: Rutgers’ 543 total yards were the most in a Big Ten game since 596 at Indiana in 2015.
- Rare dual milestone: Rutgers became just the second team in program history to have players reach 200 receiving yards and 100 rushing yards in the same game (also vs. Buffalo in 2007).
- Felter’s milestone: OL Bryan Felter became the 22nd player in program history to appear in 52 games.
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