The 1990 Rutgers Scarlet Knights football team represented Rutgers University in the 1990 NCAA Division I-A football season. In their first season under head coach Doug Graber, the Scarlet Knights compiled a 3–8 record while competing as an independent and were outscored by their opponents 302 to 173. The team won games against Kentucky (24-8), Colgate (28-17), and Akron (20-17). The team's statistical leaders included Tom Tarver with 1,348 passing yards, Tekay Dorsey with 505 rushing yards, and James Guarantino with 386 receiving yards.