1988 Rutgers Scarlet Knights football team

The 1988 Rutgers Scarlet Knights football team represented Rutgers University in the 1988 NCAA Division I-A football season. In their fifth season under head coach Dick Anderson, the Scarlet Knights compiled a 5–6 record while competing as an independent and outscored their opponents 273 to 255. They won games against two ranked opponents, Michigan State (17-13) and Penn State (21-16). The team's statistical leaders included Scott Erney with 2,123 passing yards, Mike Botti with 715 rushing yards, and Eric Young with 592 receiving yards.