As the summer rolls along on our march to the start of a brand new college football season, we are beginning to dig deep into the makeup of the Big Ten and the rest of the college football world. The Big Ten has been riding high these past few years with three straight seasons ending with a Big Ten team crowned as kings of the college football world. While the Northwestern Wildcats aren’t exactly in that discussion, under fourth year head coach David Braun, they have improved every year.
Here’s a quick look at the Northwestern Wildcats ahead of the 2026 season
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Quick 2025 Recap
Nov 22, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; The Northwestern Wildcats celebrate after their victory against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
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Record: 7-6, 4-5 in Big Ten
The Northwestern Wildcats had very low preseason expectations, after a 4-8 season under second year head coach David Braun. However, in his third season, the Wildcats showed signs of life, starting the season off with a resounding victory over Tulane, who later represented the Gof6 in the CFP.
The defining win of their season was going on the road to Beaver Stadium and winning in upset fashion 22-21, where running back Caleb Komolafe scored the winning touchdown. It was this game that would end up being the final game of the James Franklin era in Happy Valley, as Penn State removed Franklin as head coach following the loss to Northwestern.
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After a three-game skid that saw them lose to Nebraska, USC and Michigan in a close game, they rebounded nicely to gain bowl eligibility, winning a thrilling matchup against Minnesota 38-35. In their bowl win, they held Central Michigan to just 269 total yards of offense in a dominant rout.
Head coach: David Braun, 4th season
Nov 22, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Northwestern Wildcats head coach David Braun is seen against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the first half at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
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Record: 135-86 overall, 19-19 with Northwestern
In his fourth season with the Wildcats, David Braun has even more to prove. By heading a resurgence in Big Ten play and having a competent offense in place to help out a top 25 caliber defense, he has them headed in the right direction. Hopefully, he can get them back to the 8 wins he achieved in his first season. He definitely has the pieces as he brings in another transfer QB in Aidan Chiles, as well as the return of redshirt junior running back Caleb Komolafe. This could prove to be Braun’s most effective season yet.
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Offensive player to know: Caleb Komolafe, Running Back
Nov 7, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Northwestern Wildcats running back Caleb Komolafe (5) is stopped short of the goal line by Southern California Trojans safety Kamari Ramsey (7) during the first half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
While the Wildcats did bring in transfer Gavin Sawchuk, the running back position should be Komolafe’s to lose, after one of the most dominant rushing seasons by a Wildcat ever. He rushed for 941 yards and 11 touchdowns, being the first Wildcat to do so in four years. He earned All-Big Ten Honorable Mention honors to top it all off and scored a touchdown in 9 of the Wildcat’s last 10. The team will hope for more of the same.
Oct 18, 2025; Evanston, Illinois, USA; Northwestern Wildcats defensive back Robert Fitzgerald (6) reacts after intercepting a pass against the Purdue Boilermakers during the second half at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
In an underrated defense, Robert Fitzgerald roams the back end like a heat-seeking missile. He led the team with 114 total tackles, and also logged five pass breakups and an interception. In his redshirt senior season, he will look to be the emotional leader of this team and continue to fill a hybrid role.
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Does Penn State face Northwestern in 2026?
Oct 11, 2025; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lion players sing their alma mater following the game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images
The Nittany Lions will end up playing the Wildcats this season yet again, this time on the road at Ryan Field. They will be seeking revenge, as many Nittany Lions fans will remember the last time these two met as the day Beaver Stadium fell into chaos. Northwestern will host Penn State for a Friday night game in the grand opening of the renovated Ryan Field on Friday, October 2, in a national Fox broadcast.
With the breakout performance of Caleb Komolafe and Drew Allar‘s season-ending injury, there was a lot to unpack. However, a fresh start for both teams with new QBs at the helm will make this a must-see matchup between two teams seemingly headed in opposite directions.
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Sep 08, 2012; Evanston, IL, USA; A detailed view of the Northwestern Helmet before the game against Vanderbilt at Ryan Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
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September 5 vs. SOUTH DAKOTA STATE
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October 2 (Friday) vs. PENN STATE*
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October 10 vs. BALL STATE
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November 21 at Minnesota*
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November 28 vs. ILLINOIS*
“*” designates Big Ten Conference game
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This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: What to know about Northwestern football in 2026
