With just over a week before Northwestern’s 2025 football season begins, eight Inside NU writers ranked all 12 of the games on the Wildcats’ schedule from hardest (1) to easiest (12). The overall rankings are based on the average rankings from the writer ballot, which is shown at the bottom of the article.
1.Northwestern at Penn State (Oct. 11)
Average Ranking: 1.13
Highest Ranking: 1
Lowest Ranking: 2
The last time Northwestern faced Penn State, an Sept. 30 home game in 2023, it generated an iota of hope by getting off to a 10-3 lead halfway
through the second quarter. That hope was quickly squashed in the second half, when the Nittany Lions eventually came back to 41-13. Penn State went on to fall just three points short of making the national championship game a season later.
Inside NU overwhelmingly agreed that facing James Franklin’s squad, especially in Happy Valley, would be an extreme uphill battle for Northwestern. The Nittany Lions were ranked second in AP’s preseason poll and return 65% of their overall production from last season, including senior starting quarterback Drew Allar. With that said, it’s difficult to foresee the Wildcats having a shot in this matchup.
2. Northwestern vs Oregon (Sept. 13)
Average Ranking: 1.88
Highest Ranking: 1
Lowest Ranking: 2
After reigning as an undefeated, near-untouchable No. 1 team in the country for the entire second half of the season, Oregon’s season ended abruptly with a heartbreaking beatdown at the hands of the eventual national champions in Ohio State. But despite losing star quarterback Dillon Gabriel and wide receiver duo Tez Johnson and Traeshon Holden to the NFL, the Ducks are back and ready to compete. In the preseason AP Poll, writers ranked U of O seventh in the country headed into the season, still with plenty to prove.
After No. 2 Penn State, Oregon is the only other top-10 team the Wildcats will face this season, and thus the obvious candidate for our writers’ second spot. Northwestern welcomes the Ducks to Evanston in Week 3 with aspirations of one of the biggest wins in NUFB history. It is sure to be a big challenge, but an even greater indicator of just how far along the ‘Cats are as they attempt to compete in an incredibly-loaded Big Ten this season. Even if NU doesn’t win, a strong quarter or two should instill some early season confidence into a program trying to find some momentum headed into an important year for head coach David Braun and Co.
3. Northwestern vs. Michigan (Nov. 15)
Average Ranking: 3.50
Highest Ranking: 3
Lowest Ranking: 5
Northwestern has not beaten Michigan since 2008, and Inside NU writers don’t expect that to change. Yes, the Wolverines are not as talented as their 2023 team that won it all, and now the aftermath of their sign-stealing could hang over their heads. But at least the former factor didn’t affect their matchup advantage against the Wildcats in 2024, when Michigan gave Northwestern a 50-6 beatdown in the Big House.
With quarterback Preston Stone at the helm, Northwestern’s offense is expected to be better than last season. And while it should put up a better showing than last season, when Michigan’s Kalel Mullings had half as many rushing touchdowns (five) as Northwestern’s rushing yards net total (10), a win would be a tall task even at its “home” Wrigley Field.
T-4. Northwestern vs. USC (Nov. 7)
Average Ranking: 4.25
Highest Ranking: 3
Lowest Ranking: 5
USC is a strange team. In 2024 the preseason expectations weren’t met by the end of the season despite some positive play all around. The Trojans’ defense was far better in 2024 than in 2023, and they’re expected to take yet another step up. The main question there is whether or not they will take that next leap. Offensively they return top targets Ja’Kobi Layne and Makai Lemon as one of the premier wide receiver duos in the country. The quarterback situation is a bit cloudy, and there’s a solid chance that the quarterback who starts in Week 1 isn’t the same guy the ‘Cats will face. Whether it’s Jayden Maiava or true freshman Husan Longstreet, it shouldn’t be a problem for the Trojans.
Even if Northwestern exceeds expectations and USC falls flat, this game will still be a struggle considering the cross-country trip the Wildcats will make. A bye week prior to this matchup still isn’t a whole lot considering the caliber of opponent, the stadium atmosphere and the travel distance. To some of Inside NU’s writers, this feels like a harder matchup than Michigan. USC has an outside shot of making the College Football Playoffs, and Northwestern feels like another team in the way of the Trojans’ stampede.
T-4. Northwestern at Illinois (Nov. 29)
Average Ranking: 4.25
Highest Ranking: 3
Lowest Ranking: 5
Locked dead-even with USC in our writers’ rankings was Illinois, who climbed up the ranks all season long last fall and quietly had one of the most impressive seasons in the country. Now this year, the Fighting Illini return an immense amount of talent, including graduate quarterback Luke Altmyer, who goes into his third season with the program looking to capitalize on the potential of one of Illinois’ best teams in the modern era (at least on paper).
Of course, a heightened level of importance comes with this game for the ‘Cats given what they’ll be playing for: the highly coveted Land of Lincoln Trophy, better known as The Hat. Three of the last four years has gone to the orange and blue, and this year looks to be another uphill battle for NU. Going on the road against a potentially-top 15 opponent is no easy feat, but in a rivalry game, crazy things can happen. Don’t count the ‘Cats out.
6. Northwestern vs. UCLA (Sept. 27)
Average Ranking: 6.63
Highest Ranking: 6
Lowest Ranking: 9
The Bruins are living and dying through the portal. Second year head-coach DeShaun Foster brought in a whopping 31 players for the portal after losing at least 25.
The biggest name is Tennessee transfer and former five-star recruit Nico Iamaleava, who left Knoxville in search of more NIL money after leading the Volunteers to a playoff appearance as a redshirt freshman. He threw for 2,616 yards and 19 touchdowns in 2024, and his resume includes a 24-17 home victory over then-No. 7 ranked Alabama.
UCLA boasted the 37th ranked defense in the country by SP+ in 2024, and that unit should be a strength for the Bruins this season as well.
7. Northwestern at Tulane (Aug. 30)
Average Ranking: 7.38
Highest Ranking: 7
Lowest Ranking: 8
The anticipated opener to the season — now just a measly week-and-a-half away — approaches us at the Wildcats will travel down south to face Tulane in New Orleans, Louisiana. Though it might be against a Group of Five opponent, this game is far from a “tune-up” for Northwestern; just the opposite, really. The Green Wave are among the favorites to challenge for a College Football Playoff spot, hoping to secure an automatic bid as the fifth conference champion come December. After a slightly underwhelming 2024 campaign that saw it consistently on the outside looking in at the CFP picture, Tulane is determined to get to the promised land.
For Northwestern, however, the circumstances are quite different. With somewhat of an offensive overhaul occurring this past offseason, the opener against Tulane is an amazing opportunity for coaches and fans alike to see just how much NU has improved from last year to this one, and where exactly expectations ought to be set. The line for the game is currently set at minus-six in favor of Tulane, but don’t be surprised if this one is much closer.
8. Northwestern at Nebraska (Oct. 25)
Average Ranking: 7.50
Highest Ranking: 6
Lowest Ranking: 9
Year 3 for head coach Matt Rhule and the Cornhuskers may be a good one, as they return their sophomore stud in quarterback Dylan Raiola after a 7-6 season and Pinstripe Bowl victory. Emmett Johnson is explosive and dynamic at running back, and he’ll present a big test for the Wildcats’ defensive front. At receiver, receptions leader Jacory Barney Jr. is set to start in the slot again this year, and Nebraska brought in Dane Key (Kentucky) and Nyziah Hunter (California) as transfers. The Cornhuskers’ offense doesn’t jump off the page, but Raiola is a high-enough-caliber player to elevate his receivers and put them in positions to be dangerous.
Nebraska is very solid on defense, and its linebacker corps of Dasan McCullough, Marques Watson-Trent and Javin Wright should present a challenge for Stone and the passing game. With safety DeShon Singleton heading the secondary, things may be tough for the ‘Cats, but the Huskers do lack proven high-level pass-rushers. NU looks stout on the offensive line this year, so if the pocket stays clean for Stone, there’s certainly a path for the ‘Cats to win this one.
9. Northwestern vs. Minnesota (Nov. 22)
Average Ranking: 8.63
Highest Ranking: 6
Lowest Ranking: 10
NU’s final home game of the season will be against a Golden Gophers team that finished 5-4 in the Big Ten last season, but ride into this season with momentum and confidence. Head coach P.J. Fleck made clear this is a team that shouldn’t be slept on, as some consider it a dark horse candidate for a wild-card CFP spot. The team will rely on freshman quarterback Drake Lindsey and two-way star Koi Perich, who is touted by many as one of the most talented players in the country. NU’s last matchup against Minnesota was a 37-34 victory for the ‘Cats, and given the talent Minnesota brings, another nail-biting matchup is very much in the cards. As the second-to-last game of the year, it could have serious implications for NU’s bowl chances, and thus should be looked at as a plausible — and needed — win.
10. Northwestern vs. Purdue (Oct. 18)
Average Ranking: 9.88
Highest Ranking: 9
Lowest Ranking: 10
The Boilermakers were winless in the Big Ten last season, finishing in last place with an 0-9 conference record and 1-11 overall record. As expected, the team has undergone a significant overhaul this season, with new faces at each of the primary positions both on and off the field. Barry Odom is slated to lead the development of this new squad after a successful coaching tenure at UNLV. Purdue’s main offseason goal has been completed, as the team named redshirt sophomore Ryan Browne as their starting quarterback this year. While the revamped roster makes it a slightly difficult team to predict, most agree that Purdue is still a rebuilding squad that is once again projected to finish last in the conference. No excuses for NU not to beat them this season, especially on its home turf.
11. Northwestern vs. ULM (Oct. 4)
Average Ranking: 11
Highest Ranking: 11
Lowest Ranking: 11
With the exception of Alabama, Northwestern is the only power conference team on Louisiana-Monroe’s schedule. The Warhawks, led by second-year head coach and newly-named ULM internim athletic director Bryant Vincent, are ranked 111th in The Athletic’s preseason rankings of all FBS teams. Meanwhile, the Wildcats are ranked 79th.
Even if the Warhawks aren’t an FCS team, it’s easy to see why they were unanimously ranked as the second-easiest game on Northwestern’s schedule. They finished 5-7 and 3-5 in Sun Belt Conference play last season, closing out the year on a six-game losing streak. And while they picked up a few potential impact transfers, none on the level that would force a drastic upward trajectory amongst the team. Unless the Wildcats have a terrible game at home, this matchup should be pretty straightforward in their favor.
12. Northwestern vs. Western Illinois (Sept. 5)
Average Ranking: 12
Highest Ranking: 12
Lowest Ranking: 12
While Northwestern has stooped low enough to lose to an FCS team as recently as 2022, the team’s contest against the Western Illinois should be the most winnable one on its 2025 slate. The Leathernecks finished 4-8 overall and 3-5 in the Ohio Valley Conference last season. They also lost All-OVC starting quarterback Nathan Lamb, FCS All-American receiver Matthew Henry and their top two tacklers. If all goes right, this matchup should be a pretty straightforward home opener victory for the Wildcats.
Inside NU’s 2025 Northwestern Football Winnability Rankings
| GAME | Harris Horowitz | Charlie Jacobs | Calvin Kaplan | Yanyan Li | Miguel Muñoz | Matt Campbell | Sai Trivedi | Brielle Lowry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| at Tulane (8/30) | 8 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| vs Western IL (9/5) | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| vs Oregon (9/13) | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| vs UCLA (9/27) | 6 | 9 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 6 | 6 |
| vs ULM (10/4) | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 |
| at Penn State (10/11) | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| vs Purdue (10/18) | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 10 | 10 |
| at Nebraska (10/25) | 7 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 6 | 8 | 9 |
| at USC (11/7) | 4 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 |
| vs Michigan (11/15) (WRIGLEY FIELD) | 3 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 3 |
| vs Minnesota (11/22) (WRIGLEY FIELD) | 9 | 6 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 8 |
| at Illinois (11/29) | 5 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
