It’s in the details: Northwestern’s defensive line

DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 26: Northwestern Wildcats defensive lineman Michael Kilbane (47) looks on after the GameAbove Sports Bowl between the Central Michigan Chippewas and the Northwestern Wildcats on December 26, 2025, at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Joseph Weiser/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images Detail-oriented football. That’s what playing on the defensive line is all about.

Paying attention to what seems to be a little thing can mean the difference between a 2-yard loss and a 70-yard touchdown. For Northwestern’s D-line, it’s all about the small details. That’s something that new defensive line coach Ross Kolodziej preaches to his players.

“There’s a healthy tension between cutting it loose and playing fast and free and executing our job to the highest detail,” Kolodziej said. “D-line play is an aggressive, attacking style of play, and it’s about trying to free these guys up within the structure to be disruptors and playmakers. ” Kolodziej brings experience as both a former NFL defensive lineman and a defensive line coach in college for Power Four teams.

One of those schools he was the D-line coach at was Wisconsin, so he is familiar with the Big Ten. “The Big Ten is going to be a run-first league, and you have to earn the right to rush the passer,” Kolodziej said. “Stopping the run is paramount.