Big Ten · 2026

Northwestern

2025 record 7–6 4–5 conference
Postseason GameAbove Sports Bowl W 34–7 vs Central Michigan
Head coach David Braun
Scheme Spread / Multiple 4-3
Conference
C

Chiles + bowl win off 7–6; Portal #10 and early chart keep it squarely mid

Portal
C

Portal #10

Depth
C

Early chart

Market odds

To Win Big Ten
Yes 0.00%
No 0.00%
To Make Conf. Championship
Yes 0.00%
No 0.00%
Over 5.5 wins
Yes 0.00%
No 0.00%

Recruiting ranks

Overall #15 39 commits · 227.66 pts
Portal #10 17 commits· avg 85.94

Roster notes

Leading story

Aidan Chiles (Michigan State) is listed QB1 over Nicco Marchiol

Offense

RB Caleb Komolafe; WR Hayden Eligon II / Griffin Wilde / Drew Wagner; TE Alex Honig

Defense

Defense returns Robert Fitzgerald as the clear tackle leader

Key offense

  1. 01
    Aidan Chiles QB
    Portal
    • Michigan State → Northwestern
    • 2025 MSU: 128/203, 1,392 yds, 10 TD, 3 INT
    • 227 rush yds / 6 TD in 8 G
  2. 02
    Caleb Komolafe RB
    Returning
    • 2025 (incl. bowl): 190 carries, 941 yds, 11 rushing TD
    • 11 receptions, 60 yds, 1 TD
  3. 03
    Griffin Wilde WR
    Portal
    • 2025 (incl. bowl): 71 receptions, 880 yds, 8 TD

Key defense

  1. 01
    Robert Fitzgerald S
    Returning
    • 2025 (incl. bowl): 114 tackles, 1 INT, 4 PD
  2. 02
    Braydon Brus LB
    Returning
    • 2025 (incl. bowl): 81 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 4 PD
  3. 03
    Braden Turner DB
    Returning
    • 2025 (incl. bowl): 56 tackles, 2 INT, 2 PD