Northwestern Pro Day notebook: In addition to the notes and observations from yesterday’s workouts, we have more on Jackson Carsello’s unsuccessful waiver application and updates on the practice status of the 16 incoming transfers — including Aidan Chiles.

Northwestern football held its annual Pro Day on Monday as 17 former players worked out in front of NFL scouts in anticipation for the 2026 NFL Draft. From an NFL draft perspective, the headliner was Caleb Tiernan. On PFF’s 2026 NFL Draft Big Board, last updated March 16, Tiernan ranked No.

64 overall in the class and No. 12 among offensive linemen. Dating back to 2023, Tiernan has started 37 straight games at left tackle, and he earned All-Big Ten second team honors in 2025.

Monday’s festivities were mostly geared towards the professional futures of the 17 Wildcats in attendance, but we still learned a few important pieces of information with implications for the 2026 football season. Center Jackson Carsello’s waiver is denied, leaving hole in interior offensive line Early on Monday morning, Inside NU learned that Northwestern center Jackson Carsello’s request for a waiver granting him another year of eligibility was denied by the NCAA. Carsello suffered a season-ending injury four games into his redshirt freshman season in 2022.

The news reportedly came as a somewhat of a surprise to Carsello and Northwestern. Carsello told Inside NU that while he was preparing for both possibilities, he had heard that the process was trending positively and that the Big Ten was “in favor of” him being granted another year of eligibility. Carsello had met with offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, and he said he spent the last two-and-a-half months juggling draft prep and learning the new offense.