- Head Coach: David Braun (third season)
- 2024 Record: 4-8
- Strength of Schedule: 8th
- PFF Projected Win Total: 4.7
- FanDuel Win Total: 3.5
2024 Recap
Northwestern was one of the biggest surprises in college football in 2023, finishing with an 8-5 record despite going 1-11 the year before. That’s even more impressive considering they had to replace head coach Pat Fitzgerald a couple of months before the season for his part in a hazing scandal. That incredible year deservedly earned interim coach David Braun the full-time gig, but the Wildcats came crashing back down to Earth this past season with a 4-8 record. While Northwestern’s defense still performed at an average level, the offense completely fell apart and was the Power Four’s fourth-worst in terms of EPA per play. The Wildcats got immensely better at quarterback this offseason by adding SMU’s Preston Stone, but it remains to be seen if they have the requisite weapons for him to resurrect this offense.
Biggest Strength: A quarterback situation that’s night and day
Northwestern had one of the worst quarterback situations in the country last year, finishing with the second-worst passing grade in the Power Four (49.5). Enter SMU transfer Preston Stone. While he lost his job to Kevin Jennings, his 91.3 passing grade since 2023 is fifth among all quarterbacks in the FBS. The only four above him were Bo Nix, Jaxson Dart, Jayden Daniels and Shedeur Sanders.
Biggest Weakness: Does Stone have the weapons to truly shine?
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