
Wildcats Edge South Dakota State 34-18 in Season Opener
The Wildcats opened the year with a 34‑18 victory, showcasing flashes of talent while grappling with consistency, special‑teams miscues and a slew of sidelined players.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Robert Fitzgerald across Football.

The Wildcats opened the year with a 34‑18 victory, showcasing flashes of talent while grappling with consistency, special‑teams miscues and a slew of sidelined players.

Six players, including senior wide receiver Griffin Wilde and graduate student quarterback Aidan Chiles, will lead Northwestern’s football team in its upcoming campaign, marking the second time the program has named six captains.

Northwestern University football is setting its sights on a 2026 title, combining a championship mindset, a state‑of‑the‑art home field and a deep quarterback pool to rewrite its Big Ten narrative.

Northwestern’s football program, led by head coach David Braun, targets a Big Ten Championship and a College Football Playoff berth in its fourth season, bolstered by high‑profile hires and returning talent.

Preseason polls place Ohio State at the top, Iowa at eighth, and highlight All‑Big Ten selections and player of the year favorites as media days begin in Chicago.
The USA TODAY NETWORK released its preseason Big Ten football outlook, projecting the Wisconsin Badgers to finish 13th. Sophomore linebacker Mason Posa is the only Badger recognized on the preseason all‑conference team, while the program adopts a wait‑and‑see approach despite roster upgrades.

Northwestern’s 2025 roster blends returning stalwarts with new faces, setting the stage for a tightly contested game at the renovated Ryan Field.

The Wildcats aim to build on a 7‑6 record, led by new quarterback Aiden Chiles and a revamped roster, as they prepare for a tight contest against Rutgers.

Northwestern’s 2025 season ended with a 7‑6 record, highlighted by a bowl win, and the Wildcats are gearing up for a demanding 2026 slate. With quarterback Aidan Chiles set to take the next step, a revamped offensive staff, and a defense retaining core talent, the team hopes to translate early promise into consistent wins.

The renovated Ryan Field in Evanston will open on October 2, 2026, as Northwestern prepares a roster built around retained stars and key transfers, aiming to contend in the Big Ten and beyond.

EA Sports' College Football 27 assigns an 80‑overall rating to Northwestern’s offense and a 78 to its defense, highlighting standout players and the obstacles the Wildcats must overcome in the upcoming season.

EA Sports launched College Football 27 just over a month before kickoff, unveiling player ratings that highlight Northwestern’s promising backfield and a defense eager to tighten up. Key contributors such as running back Caleb Komolafe and receiver Griffin Wilde are rated among the nation’s best, while quarterback Aidan Chiles seeks a confidence boost.

A look at the most consequential portal moves for four programs and how they could influence the upcoming college football landscape.

Northwestern University celebrates a sweep of Phil Steele's preseason All-Big Ten team, highlighting standout performances from Griffin Wilde and seven teammates.

The Wildcats have improved each year under David Braun, highlighted by a 34‑7 bowl win, standout performances from Caleb Komolafe and Robert Fitzgerald, and a looming matchup with Penn State’s James Franklin.

The Wildcats have improved each year under head coach David Braun, highlighted by a 7‑6 record in 2025, star performances from Caleb Komolafe and Robert Fitzgerald, and a nationally televised showdown against Penn State on Oct. 2, 2026.

Northwestern’s football program is preparing for a challenging 2026 slate that includes matchups against Oregon, Iowa and Ohio State. New offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, quarterback Aidan Chiles and a strengthened running back corps bring fresh energy, while the construction of a new Ryan Field promises a more intimate fan experience. The coaching staff, led by head coach David Braun, believes these changes could translate into a competitive season and a potential 8‑4 or 9‑3 record.