Tulane vs Northwestern Prediction, Game Preview & Betting Lines

Tulane vs Northwestern How To Watch
Date: Saturday, August 30, 2025
Game Time: 12:00 PM ET
TV: ESPNU
Location: Yulman Stadium, New Orleans, LA

Why Northwestern Will Win

The Wildcats stepped up the talent level in a huge way.

They landed SMU quarterback Preston Stone to the mix, a slew of good receivers are on board, and best of all, the coaching staff added offensive coordinator Zach Lujan from South Dakota State to make everything more explosive.

The defense that didn't get any help from the offensive side is fine - it'll be far more disruptive.

On the other side, Tulane is undergoing a huge overhaul, especially on offense, but ...

Why Tulane Will Win

Tulane lost star quarterback Darius Mensah to Duke, but it might have upgraded with a slew of transfers coming in, highlighted by last year's BYU playmaker Jake Retzlaff. The receiver transfers are Power Four-caliber good, and there should be steadier production.

As long as the offense isn't turning the ball over in bunches and the defense can force a few mistakes, Northwestern won't be able to keep up.

Tulane vs Northwestern Who Will Win

It's one of the rare moments when the Group of Five program really is in better shape than the Power Four team.

It's expected to be 85, muggy, potentially rainy, and ... New Orleans. The Green Wave will handle it all better. 

Neither team will run all that well, but the midrange Tulane passing game will keep the chains moving. It'll be tight throughout, and then two late scoring drives will get them their first Power Four/Five win since beating USC to end the 2022 season.

Tulane vs Northwestern Prediction, Betting Lines

Tulane 27, Northwestern 23
Consensus Line: Tulane -5.5, o/u: 46.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 3
Must See Rating: 3

Consensus Line from BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.