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The Northwestern Wildcats' football program has become a source of pride for students, fans and alumni in recent years as coach David Braun has added a jolt of enthusiasm. 

Braun and the Wildcats are scheduled to take on South Dakota State this coming Saturday in what could be a "closer than the experts think" matchup between recently named captain Aidan Chiles and Jackrabbits star QB Chase Mason. 

On Monday, a former Wildcats captain was given the spotlight treatment as his new position with the Braun's program was revealed leading up to the team's first game of the 2026 season. 

Thomas Returns to Evanston 

Former Northwestern captain and offensive lineman Jared Thomas was one of the Wildcats' best players from 2017-2019, when he finished out a five-year career that began as a freshman in 2015. 

Thomas inspired his teammates with his leadership, dependability and durability, playing in 45 games and developing into one of the program's most physical and fundamentally sound players.

On Monday, Northwestern announced Thomas has returned to Evanston as the Wildcats football program's Director of External Relations & Alumni Engagement. 

"Welcome home, Jared Thomas!" the team's official X account wrote enthusiastically as it announced the big news. 

A native of Indianapolis, Ind., Thomas earned honorable mention All-Big Ten honors during his final two years with Northwestern, showing off his football and leadership skills while rounding into one of the program's best offensive players. 

Coach David Braun welcomed him back to campus in a press release foreshadowing his new role with the team.

"We are so excited to welcome Jared back home to Northwestern," Braun said. 

"Two of our program's core objectives are preparing our players for life and building a brotherhood, and that role will play an essential part in continuing to bring those values to life.

Braun shared his excitement for Thomas' future in Evanston as he continued his statement. 

"Jared experienced firsthand what makes Northwestern special as a captain on this team, and is perfectly positioned to bridge the generations of Wildcat football while helping build the foundation of our program's future," Braun said of the program's newest hire. 

Season Opener on the Horizon

Thomas will have a front row seat for Northwestern's season opener this Saturday at 8 p.m. ET against the Jackrabbits, which could be a high-scoring affair between two of college football's more naturally talented quarterbacks in Chiles and Mason. 

The game will be played at the stunning location of Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium on the shore of Lake Michigan, one of two games the Wildcats will play at the stadium before moving to the new Ryan Field on Oct. 2 against Penn State University. 

Thomas played at the old Ryan Field, known for its small stadium charm, Wildcat statue and history of wild, high-scoring games.

As he transitions to become an integral part of the modern day Northwestern football program, he will have a chance to watch games at two stadiums that feature their own set of unique charms. 

Thomas is part of a growing group of Wildcats alumni tasked with bringing Northwestern back to Big Ten prominence. 

Braun and the Wildcats have a chance to make it all happen this season, and the hope is that Thomas can be a big part of the journey in 2026 and beyond. 

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