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Oct 26, 2024; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Northwestern Wildcats head coach David Braun reacts during the third quarter against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

Northwestern Wildcats 2025 Football Season Preview: Is There Hope For The Wildcats?

Originally posted on EasySportz | By Lee Bushkell | Last updated Aug 11, 2025 5:57 PM ET

Top Storylines Entering the Season

The Preston Stone Gamble: The biggest offseason headline—and potential game-changer—is SMU transfer quarterback Preston Stone. With an impressive 2023 résumé (3,197 yards, 28 TDs, 6 INTs, 161.3 passer rating) and a 13–3 record as a starter, Stone brings hope to an offense that struggled badly in 2024, ranking near the bottom nationally.
Offensive Line Rebuild: Northwestern aggressively fortified its line via the transfer portal, adding hulking tackle Xavior Gray (6-8, 340 lb) and veteran guard Zach Beernsten, alongside a deep rotation and a new assistant O-line coach. This corps must protect Stone and open holes for the stable of RBs.
Can the Defense Hold Up? : The defensive line remains anchored by Aidan Hubbard (6 sacks in 2024) and Anto Saka, along with experienced front-seven depth. But there are serious concerns in the secondary after losing key playmakers in the back end. Safety Damon Walters returns as a leader, but he must step up in ball production.
A Brutal Schedule Ahead: Northwestern faces one of the toughest Big Ten slates: cross-country trips to Penn State, Nebraska, USC, and road finale at Illinois, plus home games against Oregon, UCLA, Michigan, and Minnesota.

Nov 30, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Southern Methodist Mustangs offensive lineman Caleb Johnson (72) and quarterback Preston Stone (2) in action during the game between the SMU Mustangs and the California Golden Bears at Gerald J. Ford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Key Players to Watch

Preston Stone (QB, Sr.) – The linchpin of the offense; his arm and leadership could define the season.
Aidan Hubbard (DL, Sr.) – Lead pass-rusher, vital for creating pressure up front.
Xavior Gray (OT, Sr.) – The most high-profile O-line upgrade; protection hinges on his performance.
Griffin Wilde (WR, Jr., South Dakota State transfer) – Vintage big-play threat; connecting with Stone will be crucial.

Game-by-Game Focus

Week 1 @ Tulane – A winnable but tricky opener. A strong start on the road could spark belief, though early-season jitters and unfamiliar QB dynamics add risk.
Home vs Oregon – A marquee matchup on “Big Noon Kickoff” stage. Expect a talented Ducks offense to challenge NU’s secondary. A competitive effort here would set tone, but a setback is likely.
Midseason vs Purdue – A battle to stay out of the Big Ten basement. If the O-line is solid and Stone finds rhythm, Northwestern could pull off a critical conference win.

Prediction & Season Outlook

Analysts are cautious: Pro Football Network boldly projects eight wins as a optimistic ceiling if things fall perfectly, while RJ Young ranks NU 55th nationally and projects a season win total over/under at 3.5 games. WarrenNolan’s simulations peg the Wildcats at 3–9, with conference record of 1–8, wins over Western Illinois, ULM, and Purdue.

This article first appeared on EasySportz and was syndicated with permission.

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