2026 Opponent Snapshot: Northwestern Wildcats
Head Coach: David BraunNorthwestern Record: 19-19 Quick 2025 Recap The Wildcats had a rough week one with a 23-3 loss to Tulane, but were able to bounce back by winning four of the next five. The sole loss was at #4 Oregon, where some early turnovers killed promising drives and chances for an upset of […]
STATE COLLEGE, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 11: Preston Stone #8 of the Northwestern Wildcats talks to the team in the huddle before the snap against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium on October 11, 2025 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Isaiah Vazquez/Getty Images) | Getty Images Head Coach: David Braun Northwestern Record: 19-19 Quick 2025 Recap The Wildcats had a rough week one with a 23-3 loss to Tulane, but were able to bounce back by winning four of the next five. The sole loss was at #4 Oregon, where some early turnovers killed promising drives and chances for an upset of the Ducks.
However, they bounced back with four consecutive wins, including the 22-21 win at Penn State that marked the end of the James Franklin era, as well as a 19-0 shutout of Purdue. Unfortunately for Northwestern, the losses piled up down the stretch as they dropped games to Nebraska, USC, Michigan and Illinois. They were able to pull off a shootout victory over Minnesota to gain bowl eligibility though.
The Wildcats ended the season with a 34-7 blowout over Central Michigan in the GameAbove Sports Bowl. Offensive Player to Watch WR Griffin Wilde Wilde may not be used as a big-play threat, but he is an incredibly reliable and productive receiver. He had the most receptions and receiving yards in a single-season for the Wildcats since 2016 in his first season with the Wildcats in 2025.
He can be difficult to cover at 6-2, 200 lbs. with the quickness of a smaller slot receiver. Wilde will be looked to keep the chains moving and be a reliable presence for Aidan Childes, who will join him after spending most of the last two seasons as QB1 at Michigan State.