Northwestern Wildcats head coach Chris Collins is entering a critical phase of reconstruction after a 15‑19 record in the 2025‑26 campaign. The loss marked the program’s first losing season in a decade, prompting the veteran coach to overhaul the roster ahead of the 2026‑27 schedule.
A New Era for the Wildcats
Only three seniors — Angelo Ciaravino, Jake West and Phoenix Gill — will return to the lineup, providing a modest core of experience. Their presence is intended to anchor a team that will rely heavily on fresh talent brought in through the transfer portal.
Collins has secured six new commitments, among them Luke McEldon, who posted 11.7 points and 6.2 rebounds as a sophomore at Mount St. Mary's, and LA Pratt, who averaged 17.0 points and 3.3 assists at Northeastern. Also joining the squad are Colin Smith from UC Santa Barbara, Okku Federiko from Drake, and Aleksej Kostić, who previously competed in Austria’s Superliga before a stint at BYU. Guard Ryan Soulis, a Columbia alumnus, and forward Jack Karasinski, a Bellarmine transfer, round out the incoming class.
The influx of talent comes as nine scholarship players have entered the transfer portal, including Nick Martinelli, Charlie Pratt and AJ Dybantsa, among others. The departures underscore the volatility of the current roster and highlight the extent of Collins’s rebuilding effort.
With a blend of proven veterans and promising newcomers, the Wildcats hope to translate these additions into a competitive edge when the next season begins. The coaching staff remains optimistic that the mix of skill sets will restore the program’s former vigor.