2026 Opponent Snapshot: Northwestern Wildcats
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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. Wilde had a big day against Penn State in 2025 with seven catches for 94 yards and a score, and will look to replicate that success when the teams face off on Oct. 2.
Defensive Player to Watch
S Robert Fitzgerald
Fitzgerald should be among the top safeties in the nation after a breakout year as a redshirt junior. The second-team All-Big Ten selection led the conference in solo tackles (69) and TFLs (6.0) for a defensive back. While he is outstanding in run support, Fitzgerald is capable of making big plays all over the field. He not only led the Wildcats with 114 tackles, but also four pass breakups, an interception and fumble recovery. Simply put, he’s the type of player who can make a momentum-shifting play that would send the Northwestern crowd in a frenzy in the first night game at the “new” Ryan Field.
Northwestern Wins If…
The Wildcats have become a version of Iowa under David Braun, who has done an impressive job following the firing of long-time head coach Pat Fitzgerald. They have a physical, disciplined defense that can frustrate offenses and keep them off the scoreboard by creating turnovers, getting stops on third down and making offenses settle for field goals. It’s how they topped the Nittany Lions last year and were a last-second field goal away from taking down Michigan a few weeks later. While the capacity will only be about 35,000, the Northwestern crowd should be juiced for the first game at their new stadium, especially on a Friday night. The defense will need to show up, and the offense should certainly be improved with several talented skill players and Chip Kelly drawing up plays.
Penn State Wins If…
The Nittany Lions need to focus and play their own game. This will be an unusually intense atmosphere for a game in Evanston, with the team returning to Ryan Field for the first time since 2023 to face a blueblood program in prime time. The Wildcats always play hard under Braun, but they will have some extra juice for this one. Penn State’s offense will need to be sharp, especially on third downs and in the red zone. Northwestern will want to make this a low-scoring affair where they rely on forcing turnovers and making them settle for field goals. The solution is simple – don’t play their game, which will require the Penn State offense to stay on the field and finish drives in the end zone.
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