ROUNDTABLE: Northwestern Football 2026 Preseason Predictions
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Six days out from the start of the football season, here’s what Northwestern’s editorial staff predicts for the team.
Charlie Jacobs
Record prediction: 7-6 (3-6 Big Ten)
MVP: Michael Kilbane
Breakout player: Josh Fussell
Game circled on your calendar: Nov. 21 @ Minnesota
Blurb: Last year I was the most pessimistic about Northwestern football of the Inside NU staff, and the Wildcats went on to exceed my expectations. This year, the roster looks better and has more depth (on paper), but the schedule is absolutely brutal. Northwestern is the only team in the country to play on the road against the undoubtedly three best Big Ten teams, along with hosting two others who could make the College Football Playoff. Truly, the MVP for this team will be Chip Kelly IF the offense can mirror what he has put out on the field at previous stops in his career. The fact that David Braun handed the keys to the offense to Kelly says a lot about his mentality in wanting to win. Pair that with the new stadium and the Uihlein donation, and the program is on an upward trajectory.
I believe te ceiling for this team this season is nine regular season wins. That’s the absolute best-case scenario, barring a miracle. I don’t see Northwestern beating Indiana, Oregon or Ohio State, and that has nothing to do with the Wildcats and everything to do with the juggernauts that are on the opposite sideline. First off, Northwestern should be 3-0 in its non-conference slate. South Dakota State, while a top-tier FCS team, is still an FCS team that, like many others, is starting to be affected by the NIL era that has taken the FBS by storm. Colorado doesn’t project to be that great, and with Northwestern coming off a bye week (which is at a terrible time season-wise), that should be a win. Ball State is the easiest game on the schedule. Rutgers and Michigan State should also be victories for Northwestern, although Rutgers’ offense can score if the QB situation works out and going on the road to East Lansing could be daunting considering the new Spartans coach who will not be named and his vendetta against the ‘Cats. That’s me saying five wins. To become bowl eligible, Northwestern needs to win one (or more) of these games: vs Penn State, vs Iowa, at Minnesota and vs Illinois. Three of these are home games, but Iowa and Illinois will almost certainly travel, and Penn State very well might too. I think the most gettable game here is vs Illinois in the final week of the regular season, but if the ‘Cats can go in to the Twin Cities and beat the Golden Gophers, that could be the signature win for this season, especially considering that Minnesota was 7-0 at home in 2025 (albeit a much easier home-slate than road-slate).
With the revamped coaching staff on offense and the transfers brought in, I’m actually not terribly worried about that side of the ball. I can go on and on about what I think Luke Dehnicke can be as a breakout player in the Kelly offense, but that seems like it could happen either way, and him being a breakout candidate might not be the right term for it when looking at his play in Division II last season. Gavin Sawchuk could really revamp this rushing attack if he can average what he did in his best seasons yards-per-carry wise, and the offensive line is in a better place now than it was before Jackson Carsello was granted his injunction. There is still also the slightest chance that the roster isn’t complete yet with the whole fifth-year fiasco going on and players entering the transfer portal after playing in the NFL preseason, but the defense feels pretty complete in my eyes. Michael Kilbane is arguably the most important player on this roster and was arguably the best defensive end for Northwestern last season, despite being in a crowded room. If he can take that next step, he could really help anchor this defense. I also think this is the year for Josh Fussell. Last season was filled with ups-and-downs, but I can’t get past the 2025 open spring practice where he and Damon Walters looked like men amongst boys. I think Fussell is in store for a big 2026 season, and he’ll show his talents especially in the tougher games when going up against some of the nation’s best.
Matt Campbell
Record prediction: 8-5 (5-4 Big Ten)
MVP: Caleb Komolafe
Breakout Player: Hayden Eligon II
Game circled on your calendar: Oct. 31 @ No. 2 Oregon
Blurb: A few things.
Firstly, I refuse to be basic and choose between the two obvious high-profile matchups. Someone’s gotta choose something other than Oct. 2 vs. No. 18 Penn State or Oct. 17 @ Michigan State. I am very intrigued by those games, as is everyone, but we gotta switch it up.
Secondly, yes, eight wins is VERY ambitious of me to say (looking at you, Charlie), but I said what I said.
The addition of Gavin Sawchuk turns Northwestern’s running back room into one of the best and most underrated in the FBS. His presence as a secondary behind Caleb Komolafe, in tandem with Joseph Himon II’s versatility out the backfield, makes the ‘Cats an interesting run-heavy team with Aidan Chiles’ dual-threat background.
Does the makeup of this offense remind you of some solid teams of the past? Like 2012 Oregon? Or a 2023 UCLA? Or even a 2024 Ohio State?
I know you said yes. It’s by design.
Chip Kelly’s design.
But what about when Chiles eventually drops back? Well I gotta say, this year’s wide receiver corps feels like it has much more depth than a season ago, which sets the ‘Cats up for success in the red zone and on third down – both areas where NU struggled last season, ranking 17th in the Big Ten with a 45.83% touchdown rate on red zone drives and 10th with a 43.35% third down conversion rate. The difference is that this season, barring the injury bug coming to bite Northwestern (a la week 14 at Illinois last season), Kelly will have a lot of options in spread offense with Drew Wagner or Luke Dehnicke playing the slot.
Many more chances for NU to run offense out of trips or empty sets – sets that Hayden Eligon II flourished in, especially during the back end of the season. I’m extremely excited about how he’ll play opposite Griffin Wilde in 2026.
Drew Christmann
Record prediction: 8-5 (4-5 Big Ten)
MVP: Aiden Chiles
Breakout player: Luke Dehnicke
Game circled on your calendar: Oct. 2 vs. No. 18 Penn State
Blurb: Picking the MVP is a bit of a tossup, with players on both sides of the ball as potential candidates. But I think that the likely starter behind center for the Wildcats in transfer quarterback Aidan Chiles is set up for a great bounceback year, after a down year with Michigan State last season. For one, the Northwestern offensive line looks to be one of the biggest strengths on the roster as they have been in years past. With Jackson Carsello back at center after winning a legal fight to return, Oklahoma State transfer Grant Seagren slotting in at tackle, and Ezomo Oratokhai having emerged as a mauler at guard, Chiles will have plenty of time to operate after the snap.
For my breakout player, I went with Minnesota Duluth transfer Luke Dehnicke. After redshirting his freshman year for the Bulldogs, Dehnicke put up a ridiculous stat line last season with 61 catches, 1,119 yards and 14 touchdowns. Now stepping into a tight end room that looks to be almost wide open and Chip Kelly’s history of developing tight ends in both his NFL and college coaching days, Dehnicke could be a big name to watch as the offense finds its footing.
As for my game to watch, I went with an easy one on Oct. 2 as my colleague Matt Campbell noted above. Outside of the fact that this will be the new Ryan Field’s debut, Penn State is in the middle of a transition period with a brand new staff led by, fittingly, former Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell. The roster itself is almost completely new as well, with just 52% of their production returning with a wave of Iowa State transfers coming with Campbell. That familiarity might work for them, but it’s worth noting how much different Big Ten football is compared to Big 12 (as a Kansas transfer myself, I’ve seen the difference first hand).
Calvin Kaplan
Record prediction: 5-7 (3-6 Big Ten)
MVP: Ezomo Oratokhai
Breakout player: Luke Dehnicke
Game circled on your calendar: Oct. 2 vs. No. 18 Penn State
Blurb: Last year, I picked the Wildcats to finish 5-7 and 3-6 in the Big Ten, and I’m going with the same prediction this year. Northwestern’s offense looks much better than last season’s, and the new Ryan Field debut on Oct. 2 promises to be exciting, but a difficult strength of schedule severely limits this team’s ceiling.
Starting with the positives, this team clearly has more proven depth than it did in 2025. The running back group is as deep as it gets, and with a major offensive coordinator upgrade in Chip Kelly, Aidan Chiles offers plenty of potential and has multiple viable weapons to throw the ball to. Beyond Griffin Wilde and Hayden Eligon II, I expect tight end Luke Dehnicke to have a breakout year, continuing the dominance he had as a pass-catcher in Division II.
Furthermore, the defense returns most of its talent from 2025. The ‘Cats bring back tons of depth alongside high-upside players such as Robert Fitzgerald, Josh Fussell and Damon Walters in the secondary. The addition of Kobie McKinzie fills a glaring need at linebacker, and outside of the defensive line, there aren’t really any glaring weaknesses on the roster as a whole.
That said, plenty of this team is unproven. Chiles was benched at Michigan State for a reason last year, and there’s still large concern around his ability to throw over the middle of the field. Additionally, the lack of proven pass-rushing on the defensive line could severely hamper the secondary in coverage, which could lead to regression from the defensive backs as well.
Worst of all, the schedule is absolutely brutal. I just don’t see the ‘Cats getting past Indiana, Oregon, or Ohio State, and there are only 4-5 games where Northwestern can reasonably be projected as the favorite. A seven- or eight-win season is possible, but because of the schedule, five wins feels like the more likely outcome even if the Wildcats do show general improvement.
Donovan West
Record prediction: 5-7 (2-7 Big Ten)
MVP: Michael Kilbane
Breakout player: Kobie McKinzie
Game circled on your calendar: Nov. 28 vs Illinois
Blurb: Northwestern shot out to a 5-2 record last season mainly due to a backloaded schedule with several softballs at the beginning. The Wildcats’ ability to capitalize on sputtering opposition put them in position to make a bowl game despite two 20-point losses in the first three weeks of the season. Things were going well, and vibes were high.
However, the fangs of the schedule proceeded to eat the ‘Cats up. It took NU four more tries to win its sixth game and it barely qualified for a bowl game thanks to some Wrigley magic in a barnburner against Minnesota. The ‘Cats lost four of their last five regular season games and the heightened expectations returned to an exciting but middling reality.
2026 sets up the exact same way.
The ‘Cats might pick up early wins against South Dakota State, Colorado, Ball State and maybe even Big Ten foes Michigan State and Rutgers. It’s entirely feasible that Northwestern starts the year 5-2 once more and Chip Kelly becomes the savior of Evanston football.
But I’m not buying NU as a top-half Big Ten team just yet. The ‘Cats will be significant underdogs in each of its last five games against some of the best teams in the conference and will once again cross the finish line battered and bruised. Northwestern may be improved behind a redesigned offense, the creativity of Chiles and a traditionally stout defense, but it lacks the positionally elite depth that most of the teams it plays will have. Kilbane projects to be a monster on the defensive line and will harass opposing quarterbacks every night, and the uber-talented McKinzie should flourish in an increased role, but the Oregons, Ohio States and Iowas of the world have Kilbanes and McKinzies at every position.
It will be difficult for the Wildcats to consistently beat such deep opposition and they very well may find themselves reeling to end the year. Northwestern may be a better team in 2026, but that might not translate into a better record and reaching a bowl game again.
Zac Penson
Record prediction: 8-5 (4-5 Big Ten)
MVP: Griffin Wilde
Breakout player: Luke Dehnicke
Game circled on your calendar: Oct 2 vs No. 18 Penn State
Blurb: For what a great team this is, I just wish they were given better luck with their schedule. Think about the possibilities of what this team would have been able to put up as their record if they just had a better draw. The real reason I’m being so negative is because I’m salty about last basketball season and personally believe Northwestern needs a redemption arc to prove we have the brains and the Braun (sorry).
Coach Braun made expectations clear at the Big Ten’s media days, setting the bar high and I expect the sentiment to remain throughout the regular season. If there’s anything I believe Northwestern football is going to take from this season is not the record they walk away with — I believe the absolute ceiling is 8-4 — but rather the message that this foundational season sends to future players. Northwestern is no longer accepting being the “nerds of the Big Ten.” Making it known that Northwestern is entering a true new era and that players must commit to making this an elite program. Fundamentally, this starts with the new stadium opener against Penn State, which for me is going to be the highlight of the season, win or lose.
Put it this way: think about where this program was just a few short years ago. Remember that 1-11 season? Yep. One win. Think if I told you three years ago the following: “Northwestern moves into the most expensive college football stadium in history on the former site of Ryan Field, with Coach David Braun looking to take down Penn State for a second year in a row on the stadium’s opening night. The ‘Cats are projected to have about a six to eight win season.” It would be hard to believe. And it’s not even that far-fetched to claim that Northwestern has an actual chance of beating Penn State, though it probably wouldn’t happen again… right?
Unlike basketball, Northwestern has a lot of returners to look towards. This isn’t much of a new team in terms of personnel, but the growth these players have experienced under a year of experienced trainers, dietitians and coaches makes it exciting to see how the ‘Cats will differ, especially with a new play caller in the booth with national championship level talent. And you’ve heard about him enough, but at the helm on the field is Aidan Chiles, a dual threat quarterback who provides a whole bunch of upside. He is exactly what Kelly’s system is designed for, so there is plenty for Wildcats fans to look for in him.
I thought Griffin Wilde had a breakout season last year and there should be no question in ‘Cats fans minds of where Chiles will be looking first on most plays. However, I think both Eligon and Wagner prove to be solid and reliable targets for the upcoming season.
One of the biggest losses last year in terms of personnel was tight end Hunter Welcing, who transferred to Ohio State. Seeing some new tight end action will be interesting and I have really high hopes for Luke Dehnicke. His numbers from last season were fantastic (see Drew’s blurb for more specifics there), but he looks really solid and I’m excited to see him out on the field.
I would also go into how great I think the running back room is, but I’ll spare you from that. The team feels complete. This team clearly has more momentum than any other Northwestern group we have seen in quite a while. The schedule leaves a lot to worry about.
What I’m really trying to get at is that, while I do believe Northwestern is setting themselves up for a great future, there is just no way this is the year in my opinion. I think Wilde, Komolafe, Kilbane, Fitzgerald and Chiles to name a few are great pieces to the team and I have no doubt this team could make an ACC Championship. They could maybe compete in the CFP. But there is just no way in my mind Northwestern has a chance of making it that far with the competitiveness of the Big Ten, specifically the schedule they have been dealt.
Crazy enough, I believe that Northwestern could have a competitive game somewhere in the mix of Iowa, Ohio State, Oregon or Indiana. I saw it last year with my own two eyes against a ranked Michigan team in Wrigley Field. Do they really have a chance to overcome those teams and the schedule as a whole? Probably not. But you bet I will be rooting for every upset and hoping we can finally spread far the fame of our fair name throughout the (ever growing) Big Ten.
Whitley Williams
Record prediction: 7-5 (5-4 Big Ten)
MVP: Aidan Chiles
Breakout player: Kobie McKinzie
Game circled on your calendar: Oct. 17 @ Michigan State
Blurb: The greatest currency in college football is experience.
With a revamped offense designed by offensive coordinator Chip Kelly and veteran Michigan State transfer quarterback Aidan Chiles at the helm, Northwestern enters this season with an ample supply of it. Chiles has played in 30 games across three teams, while a number of seasoned players return on both sides of the ball. The daunting Big Ten schedule looming over apprehensive Wildcat fans should not faze a team with this much experience.
The non-conference schedule is no cakewalk. Northwestern will need to play three complete games to emerge undefeated.
The Sept. 5 season opener against South Dakota State has all the makings of a classic trap game. The FCS powerhouse is looking to bounce back after falling short last season due to injuries. Coach Prime’s Colorado Buffaloes will pose as a sneaky test for the Cats’ defense with a new offensive coordinator and a creative go-go offense. Ball State should be a layup before Big Ten play begins.
Once conference play begins, Northwestern will need elite discipline, execution and a little luck to punch a ticket to a bowl game. Road trips to Indiana, Oregon and Ohio State represent the toughest match-ups on the schedule, but they also provide the Wildcats with the opportunity to pull off an immaculate upset.
The unveiling of the pristine new Ryan Field should infuse energy and excitement when the Wildcats host Penn State on Oct. 2. Then comes the most compelling game on the schedule, Oct. 17 game at Michigan State
Chiles will return to East Lansing with vengeance (after being benched last season), while former Northwestern head coach Pat Fitzgerald will be on the opposite sideline sporting the green and white. The plot is comparable to any good TV drama series.
Along the way, Northwestern will face several classic Big Ten opponents in Rutgers, Iowa and Minnesota. A Land of Lincoln Trophy showdown in late November could provide the perfect opportunity to cap a successful regular season.
For the Cats’ to exceed expectations, it will take an MVP performance from the most important position on the field, quarterback.
Chiles has the ideal pro-ready build, a cannon for an arm and the ability to make plays through the air and on the ground. If he can minimize turnovers, execute Kelly’s pro-style offense and lean into his experience, his ceiling is high. Northwestern should have a well-balanced attack, with a deep running back room complemented by explosive receivers.
The defense has been consistently solid for more than 5 years. Oklahoma transfer linebacker Kobie Mckinzie is primed for a breakout year fueled by an outstanding fall camp performance. He recorded 32 tackles and 6.5 TFLs last season in 12 games. Mckinzie did immense research during the transfer portal window, prioritizing fit and coaching. Coming from an elite true blood defense, Mckinzie brings experience, a willingness to refine his craft and a high football IQ. He could quickly become the centerpiece of a Northwestern defense that returns key contributors at every level, including formidable defensive lineman Michael Kilbane, wide linebacker Braydon Brus, and safety Robert Fitzgerald.
This is a complete football team ready to take flight in 2026. I see the Wildcats finishing 7-5 overall and 5-4 in Big Ten play.
Adam Sutro
Record prediction: 5-7 (3-6 Big Ten)
MVP: Robert Fitzgerald
Breakout player: Gavin Sawchuk
Game circled on your calendar: Oct. 17 @ Michigan State
Blurb: As usual, I’m a little more skeptical of the outlook for this 2026-27 Northwestern team than many of my other colleagues.
There’s no doubt, after this offseason, that NUFB is a program headed in the right direction: the new Ryan Field, Chip Kelly at offensive coordinator, Jerry Neuheisel as the quarterback’s coach and a $35 million donation from the Uihlein’s. Something is building in Evanston, and it’s exciting… I’m just not sure that this is going to be the breakout year for the ‘Cats.
For me, my biggest concerns are at the quarterback position. Last year, like many NU fans, I grew frustrated with the turnover-prone Preston Stone, who threw two or more interceptions in four different games — each of which Northwestern lost — last season. Unfortunately, I foresee similar struggles ahead for Aidan Chiles, who was named Northwestern’s starting quarterback last Sunday.
Though Chiles threw just three interceptions on 203 passing attempts last season with Michigan State before his season-ending injury, he threw 11 interceptions in 2024 on 323 passing attempts. So the question becomes does Chiles’ low-turnover rate last year reflect a permanent change in his play style or did he just get lucky?
Personally, when I watch Chiles’ 2025 tape, I still see the same problems with inconsistent accuracy and decision-making that caused turnover issues during his first season in East Lansing. Chiles still oftentimes holds the ball too long, hesitates between running and throwing and can make questionable decisions after plays have already broken down. Because of this, I’m predicting Chiles turnover problems to return this season in Evanston and pose major problems for the ‘Cats’ passing offense.
So, though NU’s offensive coaching staff has the firepower to fuel a breakout season, I’m not sure Chiles is the quarterback the ‘Cats need to take them to the promise land. I think this will still be a football team rooted in the trenches, that wins games based on whether or not they’re able to dominate upfront and run the ball with a standout running back room consisting of Caleb Komolafe and Gavin Sawchuk — my breakout candidate for the season.
Unfortunately, the ‘Cats play in the Big Ten, and I just can’t see them winning physical football games against Indiana, Penn State, Oregon, Iowa or Ohio State this season — that’s five losses.
From there, though I think the ‘Cats pick up victories against South Dakota State and Ball State, I think games against Colorado, Rutgers, Minnesota and Illinois are a coin toss. I say the ’Cats split these games, with wins against Minnesota and Illinois and losses against Colorado and Michigan State, finishing a disappointing 5-7 and missing a bowl game.
I hope that I’m wrong!
Northwestern football kicks off its 2026-27 season against South Dakota State on Saturday, Sept. 5 at 7 p.m. CT at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium. The game will be televised on Big Ten Network.
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