Northwestern enters 2026 near the bottom of Big Ten projections

Northwestern is projected 14th of 18 Big Ten teams, with one preseason forecast calling for a 6–6 record and identifying Colorado, Michigan State, Rutgers, and Illinois as projected wins. The Wildcats are unranked in the preseason AP poll, reinforcing expectations of a rebuilding season centered on Chip Kelly's offensive role, Aidan Chiles's efficiency, the new stadium, and five returning defensive starters led by Michael Filbane.