Rutgers–Newark students celebrate Homecoming outdoors, wearing red and black Rutgers apparel as attendees gather for festivities on campus.

Homecoming 2026

Celebrating 80 Years of Scarlet Raider Pride

Relive Homecoming 2026

From student celebrations to alumni reunions and community festivities, Homecoming 2026 brought the Scarlet Raider community together for a week of events celebrating Rutgers–Newark’s 80th anniversary.

Scarlet Raider Spirit Throughout the Week

October 19–23

Students kicked off Homecoming Week with a series of celebrations, including the Homecoming Kickoff, Scarlet Splash Pool Party, Scarlet Spirit Day, and RU a Celebrity Wannabe? festivities, which featured a surprise guest appearance by DJ 80centz.

Five Rutgers–Newark students pose outdoors holding commemorative T-shirts celebrating the university's 80th anniversary during Homecoming festivities.

Homecoming Kickoff

Scarlet Splash Pool Party

Chancellor DJ 80centz

A group of Rutgers–Newark students pose together onstage, with two students holding an award plaque and certificate during a Homecoming event.

RU a Celebrity Wannabe

Chancellor’s STAR Night

Friday, October 23

Homecoming weekend marked the official launch of the Student Achievement and Resilience (STAR) Fund, a new initiative supporting Rutgers–Newark students facing unexpected financial hardships. Chancellor’s STAR Night brought together members of the university community to celebrate this investment in student success and opportunity.

Three attendees dressed in red smile and converse at a table decorated with red roses during Rutgers–Newark's Chancellor’s STAR Night celebration.

STAR Night Reception

Three attendees pose in front of a red Rutgers–Newark backdrop during Chancellor’s STAR Night, celebrating the launch of the STAR Fund.

STAR Night Community

Rutgers–Newark Chancellor Tonya Smith-Jackson delivers the keynote address at Chancellor’s STAR Night, speaking at a podium before a seated audience.

Chancellor’s Keynote

Attendees stand and applaud during Chancellor’s STAR Night, a celebration supporting student achievement and resilience at Rutgers–Newark.

STAR Night Celebration

A Celebration of Scarlet Raider Pride

Saturday, October 24

Saturday’s festivities began with the Chancellor’s Breakfast & Jazz Reception, followed by a day of celebrations on Norman Samuels Plaza featuring food, entertainment, and a performance by Rutgers–Newark’s very own ByHaze. Alumni and visitors explored campus through guided tours, while fans gathered at Frederick Douglass Field to cheer on the Scarlet Raiders men’s soccer team against Rowan University.

Rutgers–Newark's Scarlet Raider mascot greets alumni during outdoor Homecoming festivities.

Rutgers–Newark cheerleaders perform in red uniforms outside the Paul Robeson Campus Center during Homecoming.

Two women wearing Greek-letter apparel smile and pose together during Rutgers–Newark Homecoming.

Gold balloons spelling "HOCO 2026" decorate the entrance to the Paul Robeson Campus Center.

Rutgers–Newark alumni and guests gather around tables for a Homecoming breakfast.

A vocalist performs with a live jazz band featuring keyboard, percussion, and upright bass during Homecoming.

Rutgers–Newark students and alumni dance outdoors during Homecoming festivities on Norman Samuels Plaza.

Chancellor Tonya Smith-Jackson cheers alongside Rutgers–Newark supporters at a Homecoming soccer game.

Rutgers–Newark fans dressed in red and black cheer from the bleachers during a Homecoming soccer game.

Rutgers–Newark students pose together under a red tent at a Homecoming soccer game.

Rutgers–Newark fans hold up a red Scarlet Raiders banner while cheering from the stands.

Don't Miss the Action Next Year!

The Scarlet Raider spirit doesn't end here! We look forward to welcoming alumni, students, families, and friends back to campus for Homecoming 2027. Stay tuned for more details!