David Braun is back in Evanston for his third season, bringing in Chip Kelly to run the offense. QB Aidan Chiles comes over from Michigan State to take the pace of the departed Preston Stone. Top running back Caleb Komolafe returns as the primary running back, with Joseph Himon returning as a complementary change-up. The running back room got a boost with Florida State transfer Gavin Sawchuk, who will help the Wildcats move the chains. Northwestern returns its top receiver, Griffin Wilde, hot off a 71-catch season. The Wildcats have depth returning six of their top eight receivers from a season ago. Three starters return on the offensive line.

Tim McGarigle is back for his third season as defensive coordinator and will have three of his top five tacklers from a year ago, including leading tackler Robert Fitzgerald. John Fussell and Braden Turner join Fitzgerald in the secondary as returning starters. The front seven will have a few new faces, but return Brendan Flakes and Braydon Brus. The Wildcats are high on the addition of linebacker Kobie McKinzie, who comes over from Oklahoma.

Special teams coordinator Paul Creighton has his work cut out for him as he tries to find a combination to replace the place kicker, punter, punt returner and kick returner from a season ago. Bowling Green transfer Jackson Kleather should be a suitable replacement for Jack Olsen, who transferred to Miami. Northwestern is aiming to take the next step in the Big 10, and the renovated Ryan Field will be ready in time for conference play. If Chiles and the offense grasp the new Chip Kelly system, the Wildcats could knock a top team or two off in conference this year.