Northwestern University has announced its six captains for the 2026 football season, a roster that blends veteran savvy with emerging talent.
Leadership Redefined
The group features senior wide receiver Griffin Wilde, graduate student quarterback Aidan Chiles, and a quartet of seasoned players who have each left a distinct mark on the program.
Braydon Brus, a graduate student linebacker, started every game last year and finished third in tackles while adding 2.5 sacks, providing a steady presence on defense.
Jackson Carsello, the graduate student center who recently won an injunction to preserve an extra year of eligibility, ranked fourth in the Big Ten according to Pro Football Focus and brings interior stability.
Aidan Chiles, a senior quarterback who transferred from Michigan State and Oregon State, arrives with 30 games of Power Five experience and has been named the team’s starter.
Robert Fitzgerald, a redshirt senior defensive back, returns for his fifth season and earned All‑Big Ten Second Team honors after recording 109 tackles.
Joseph Himon II, a graduate student running back, contributed nearly 500 all‑purpose yards and caught 21 passes for 118 yards last year, adding depth to the offensive skill set.
Griffin Wilde, the senior wide receiver, was named All‑Big Ten Third Team with 880 receiving yards, placing him among the conference’s top pass catchers.
This is only the second time Northwestern has named six captains, the first occurring in 2020, reflecting a strategic expansion of leadership responsibilities.
The Wildcats open the season on September 5 against Griffin Wilde’s former team, South Dakota State, a matchup that adds a narrative twist to the schedule.
With a challenging slate ahead, the captains will look to translate their diverse experiences into on‑field cohesion and competitive edge.