David Braun enters his fourth season at Northwestern after a 7-6 campaign in 2025, with Chip Kelly taking over the offense. Michigan State transfer Aidan Chiles takes over at quarterback after Preston Stone leaves. Caleb Komolafe returns at running back, with Joseph Himon also back, while Florida State transfer Gavin Sawchuk joins the backfield. Northwestern returns six of its top eight pass catchers from last season, led by Griffin Wilde after his 71-catch season. Hayden Eligon and Drew Wagner also return in the receiving corps. The offensive line returns Ezomo Oratokhai and Jackson Carsello, each making 13 starts last season, while Oklahoma State transfer Grant Seagren joins the group after making 11 starts in 2025.

Tim McGarigle enters his third season as defensive coordinator, and Northwestern returns five of its top eleven tacklers from last season, including three of its top five. At linebacker, Brendan Flakes and Braydon Brus return as full-time starters after each made 13 starts last season, while Michael Kilbane returns after making four. Oklahoma transfer Kobie McKinzie joins the group after making eight starts in 2025. The secondary returns leading tackler Robert Fitzgerald, who made 12 starts last season, along with Braden Turner and Josh Fussell, who made 12 and 10 starts, respectively. Ore Adeyi also returns after making five starts.

Paul Creighton returns as special teams coordinator, with Bowling Green transfer Jackson Kleather taking over at placekicker after converting 86% of his field-goal attempts last season. Niki Dugandzic takes over at punter, while Drew Wagner returns as the primary punt returner. Northwestern features a new primary kick returner. The Wildcats enter 2026 with considerable returning experience at receiver and throughout the defense, while the offense is led by a new quarterback, a returning backfield, and six of its top eight pass catchers. The offensive line features two full-time returning starters and another experienced transfer starter. Update (Oct. 14): Northwestern opened the new Ryan Field on October 2 with a 34-13 victory over Penn State and followed with a 45-14 win over Ball State. The Wildcats will play their remaining home games at the new stadium.