David Braun enters his fourth season at Northwestern following a 7-6 campaign in 2025, with Chip Kelly taking over the offense. Michigan State transfer Aidan Chiles joins the quarterback room following Preston Stone’s departure. 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 as part of the receiving corps. The offensive line returns full-time starters Ezomo Oratokhai and Jackson Carsello after 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 with Northwestern returning five of its top eleven tacklers from last season, including three of its top five. Along the defensive front, Brendan Flakes returns as a full-time starter after making 13 starts last season, while Michael Kilbane returns after making four. Braydon Brus returns at linebacker after making 13 starts, while Oklahoma transfer Kobie McKinzie joins the group after making eight starts in 2025. The secondary returns leading tackler Robert Fitzgerald after making 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 will feature a new primary kick returner. The Wildcats enter 2026 with considerable returning experience at receiver and throughout the defense, while the offensive line features two full-time returning starters and another experienced transfer starter. Northwestern will also return to the new Ryan Field on October 2 against Penn State, with its remaining home games scheduled at the new stadium.