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Northwestern football's defense has led the team over the past few years while the offense has languished behind, but this could be the year the tables turn.

The Wildcats' offense is led by one of the best coordinators in football, Chip Kelly, who came over from the Las Vegas Raiders by way of the 2024-25 national champion Ohio State Buckeyes. 

The Wildcats reloaded on both sides of the ball through the transfer portal this offseason, including with a well known player from College Football Playoff participant the Oklahoma Sooners.

Northwestern linebacker Kobie McKinzie has spent this offseason getting acclimated to the team's system under defensive coordinator Tim McGarigle, and he was impressive in practice Friday according to one onlooker. 

Impressive Guy, "Looks the Part"

Big Ten Network host and journalist Dave Revsine visited Wildcats practice in Evanston and spent much time talking about Kelly's offense.

He also noticed the defense later in his practice notes, which he says dominated in previous years but wasn't winning the action as much as he is used to seeing on Friday. 

According to Revsine, McKinzie looks like an impact player and made his presence felt during practice. 

"Really like Kobie McKinzie (2) at LB – Was a starter for Oklahoma's CFP team last year – Really impressive guy and looks the part," Revsine wrote. 

"They'll be good there (at linebacker) with Brayden Brus and others. 

"Second includes B1G's leading returning tackler in Robert Fitzgerald (6) – Wildly underrated." 

McKinzie played 42 games at Oklahoma and compiled 42 tackles including 10 tackles for loss.

Now in his fifth season, he could be the defensive coordinator Fitzgerald and McGonigle need on the middle level of the defense. 

Concern Along Defensive Line 

Revsine added that there is concern in the middle of the defensive line where the Wildcats have an "unproven group" that will be tasked with slowing down some of the country's best ballcarriers in the Big Ten Conference.

He feels as though McGarigle has grown into his role as defensive coordinator and wondered aloud whether Northwestern can reach the standard set by former Wildcats head coach and current Michigan State head coach Pat Fitzgerald. 

"Aside from a couple of years at the end of Fitz's tenure, defense has generally been clear strength here," Revsine said.

"Tim McGarigle has grown into DC role. 

"If there is a concern, it's the middle of the defensive line. Brendan Flakes (15) is a leader and they like Migo Jackson, but this is an unproven group," he added. 

The Wildcats' defense could be a mixed bag this season as they enter into the opener against South Dakota State and beyond. 

Northwestern may look like a worse defense in practice against Kelly's masterful schemes and the diverse talents of Aidan Chiles, Caleb Komolafe and Griffin Wilde. 

How they fare against other opponents will tell an even bigger tale, and perhaps position Northwestern as a contender for the upper echelon of the Big Ten if they take what they learn in practice and apply it properly in games. 

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