Can't Wait For Saturday Wildcats looking forward to 'Prime' time in late September

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Mar. 28—***

During the first two weeks-ish of the NCAA tournament, I will be ranking each Big Ten football team's best nonconference game.

Quick recap: No. 1 Ohio State at Texas, Sept. 12.

2. Michigan vs. Oklahoma, Sept. 12

3. Wisconsin vs. Notre Dame, Sept 6

4. Michigan State at Notre Dame, Sept. 19.

5. Purdue vs. Notre Dame, Sept. 26.

6. Oregon vs. Boise State, Sept. 5.

7. Illinois vs. Duke, Sept. 12.

8. Iowa vs. Iowa State, Sept. 12.

9. UCLA at Cal, Sept. 5.

10. Washington vs. Washington State, Sept. 5.

11. Maryland vs. Virginia Tech, Sept. 19.

12. Minnesota vs. Mississippi State, Sept. 12.

After two years away from Ryan Field, which has been rebuilt into one the best facilities in the country, Northwestern will return there on Oct. 2 for a game against Penn State.

But first, two more games for the Wildcats at the smallish but scenic Northwestern Medicine Field. They open against South Dakota State on Sept. 5.

Then comes the doozy as Colorado and coach Deion Sanders visit the temporary home.

Sanders is on the road to recovery from bladder cancer. Some thought Sanders might leave the sidelines after last season. But the Buffaloes went 3-9 and he wants to have the program pointing in the right direction before he steps aside.

Northwestern is looking to build on a 7-6 2025 season that included wins against Penn State and Minnesota and close losses to Michigan, Nebraska and Illinois.

Northwestern got hit with a brutal Big Ten schedule for 2026, starting with the opener at defending national champion Indiana. Penn State, Oregon, Iowa, Ohio State and Illinois are also on the schedule.

Oh, yes, there is also the game Oct. 17 at Michigan State, now coached by fired Northwestern boss Pat Fitzgerald. Awkward. Michigan State's 2027 trip to Evanston will be more of the same.

Another bowl appearance by coach David Braun's team should be considered a success.

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