Northwestern Wildcats 2026 Preview
Northwestern are 1-0 in 2026. They went 7-6 (4-5 in the Big Ten). Here is what changed on the roster, the full 2026 schedule, and where they rank going into the season.
About Northwestern Wildcats
A charter member and the conference's only private university.
- Joined the Big Ten
- 1896
- Chief rivalries
- Illinois (Land of Lincoln Trophy)
What changed for Northwestern in 2026
- New offensive coordinator in Chip Kelly (Las Vegas Raiders Offensive Coordinator)
- Starting QB from last season is gone. Michigan State transfer Aidan Chiles is expected to start (1,392 yards, 10 TDs, 3 INTs; 227 rushing yards, 6 rushing TDs)
- Caleb Komolafe returns at RB after a sophomore season of 941 yards and 11 TDs
- All three starting WRs return in Griffin Wilde (880 yards, 8 TDs), Hayden Elgon II (521 yards, 3 TDs), and Drew Wagner (172 yards, 2 TDs)
- Returning one starting offensive lineman with one transfer expected to start
- Returning five starters on defense, including their leading tackler in LB Robert Fitzgerald (114 tackles)
All 136 teams. Free every year via Kyle Kommes.
Fact checking by Brady Kommes; cover art by Pace Maier.
Northwestern Wildcats 2026 schedule
| Game | Opponent | Site | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Dakota State | Home | W 34-18 |
| 2 | Colorado | Home | — |
| 3 | Indiana | Away | — |
| 4 | Penn State | Home | — |
| 5 | Ball State | Home | — |
| 6 | Michigan State | Away | — |
| 7 | Rutgers | Home | — |
| 8 | Oregon | Away | — |
| 9 | Iowa | Home | — |
| 10 | Ohio State | Away | — |
| 11 | Minnesota | Away | — |
| 12 | Illinois | Home | — |
Get the printable Northwestern Wildcats 2026 schedule with kickoff times and TV, sized for one page.
More Big Ten previews
Illinois Fighting Illini
Indiana Hoosiers
Iowa Hawkeyes
Maryland Terrapins
Michigan Wolverines
Michigan State Spartans
Minnesota Golden Gophers
Nebraska Cornhuskers
Ohio State Buckeyes
Oregon Ducks
Penn State Nittany Lions
Purdue Boilermakers
Rutgers Scarlet Knights
UCLA Bruins
USC Trojans
Washington Huskies
Wisconsin BadgersRelated reading
Northwestern Wildcats betting FAQ
Northwestern Wildcats play 12 games in 2026, 7 at home. They open against South Dakota State. The full schedule is listed on this page.
Northwestern is outside Kyle Kommes's preseason Top 25 for 2026.
Northwestern Wildcats play at Ryan Field in Evanston, IL. A charter member and the conference's only private university.
Illinois (Land of Lincoln Trophy). Northwestern has been a Big Ten member since 1896.
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