BY: KENNY VARNER
The Northwestern Wildcats are coming off a disappointing 4-8 season, but could an upgrade in talent lead to more wins in 2025? With 10 returning starters—four on offense and six on defense—this team should be improved, but whether that results in a bowl bid remains very much up for debate.
The most notable change comes at quarterback. Preston Stone, a transfer from SMU, brings a major upgrade to a Wildcats offense that ranked dead last in the Big Ten and 128th nationally in scoring. Northwestern also finished 111th in passing offense. While Stone lost his job at SMU to a rising star, he still put up impressive numbers in 2023: 3,197 passing yards with a 28-to-6 touchdown-to-interception ratio. Simply put, the Wildcats will be leaps and bounds better under center this fall.
The offensive line returns a steady presence in tackle Caleb Tiernan, and center Jack Bailey is back after a back injury shortened his 2024 campaign. The additions of Xavier Gray (Liberty) and Evan Beerntsen (South Dakota State) bring both talent and depth to a unit that needed it.
In the backfield, sixth-year senior Cam Porter remains a steady contributor, but don’t be surprised if Joseph Himon earns more touches and potentially becomes the lead back. At wide receiver, there’s been an infusion of speed and playmaking. Chase Farrell arrives with world-class speed, while Griffin Wilde (South Dakota State) is poised to be the No. 1 target. Wilde caught 71 passes for 1,154 yards and 12 touchdowns last season—on a team that, even at the FCS level, was far more productive than the 2024 Wildcats. With this talent infusion, the offense should take a significant step forward.
Defensively, Northwestern will be anchored by experienced ends Aidan Hubbard and Anto Sanka. The interior defensive line will rotate through a mix of veterans including Miguel Jackson (Utah State), Carmine Bastone, and Najee Story, all of whom bring senior leadership.
At linebacker, the Wildcats might have their strongest unit. Leading tackler Mac Uihlein returns, and the addition of Yanni Karlaftis (Purdue) via the transfer portal adds physicality. But the standout name in the group is Braydon Brus, who has drawn rave reviews from coaches and could be a breakout star.
The secondary looks competitive as well. Cornerback Ore Adeyi returns from an ACL tear, and he’ll be joined by Fred Davis (Jacksonville State), Josh Fussell, and Braden Turner to form a solid group. Meanwhile, safety Damon Walters has emerged as a potential difference-maker, with head coach David Braun calling him a “special player.”
Like the offense, the defense appears to be a step better than last season.
Looking at the schedule, however, it’s tough to find six wins. Northwestern opens as a touchdown underdog at Tulane, followed by what should be a win over FCS Western Illinois. But then Oregon comes to town—a game the Wildcats have little chance of winning. Outside of Western Illinois, ULM, and Purdue, it’s hard to pinpoint sure victories. Road trips to Penn State, USC, and Illinois, as well as a home game against Michigan, present major challenges.
This team will be more competitive and could sneak out a Big Ten win or two. But realistically, four to five wins feels like the ceiling for the 2025 Wildcats.