Following the graduation of several important pieces, notably Nick Martinelli, head coach Chris Collins and his program are searching for a new identity. The tide appears to be shifting, mandating a new era of Collins-led Wildcat basketball. Next season, NU will lack the consistency provided by Martinelli, Brooks Barnhizer and Boo Buie in recent years.
Although it once seemed Tre Singleton — the highest-ranked recruit in the modern era of Northwestern basketball — could become the program’s next cornerstone,
his surprising transfer announcement further clouds the team’s future.
With that in mind, Collins and his staff must be aggressive in the transfer portal to remain competitive. With multiple departures, every position is an area of need.
Jake Fiegen, Cornell
Fiegen, a 6-foot-4 sharp-shooting guard, took major steps forward in each of his three seasons at Cornell. Last season, he averaged 17.1 points per game, shot more than 41% from three-point range and grabbed over five rebounds.
Fiegen is a three-level scorer with the athleticism to finish over defenders at the rim and the defensive chops to guard opposing wings. Fiegen scored 33 points against Dartmouth and added 15 points and seven rebounds against Michigan State — an opponent he would grow comfortable playing at Northwestern.
According to Joe Tipton, Northwestern is gaining traction with the Cornell product and is on a list of four to five schools in consideration. In the past, Collins has recruited sharp-shooting, sturdy guards like Fiegen — look at Ryan Langborg or even Max Green as examples — so he’d be a natural fit. Fiegen would be a terrific guard to pair with Jake West as his shooting would stretch the floor for the ‘Cats and allow West’s passing instincts to be on full display.
Ethan Roberts, UPenn
Roberts averaged nearly 17 points in each of his last two years at UPenn and shot over 40% from three in the 2025-26 season.
Roberts gets to his spots on the offensive end through strategic movement and a slower tempo that creates ample separation at all levels of the game. He has a fundamental stroke from deep and has quick hands on the defensive end. Roberts led UPenn in scoring in the regular season before a concussion sidelined him for UPenn’s Ivy League championship-winning run.
Roberts plays a similar style of basketball as Fiegen, so Northwestern would likely bring in only one of the two. However, he is another player who would fit well with West and greatly help the ‘Cats on both ends of the floor. Roberts is from Arlington Heights, IL, so a homecoming might be in store.
Cooper Schwieger, Wake Forest
Schwieger, a 6-foot-10 forward, played one year at Wake Forest after beginning his college career at Valparaiso. Schwieger is incredibly light on his feet for his size and possesses dynamic athleticism, which makes him a force in pick-and-roll action.
At Valparaiso, Schwieger showed dominance in the post while also stretching the floor with perimeter shooting. He averaged two blocks per game in his final season at Valparaiso and gobbled up rebounds on both ends of the court. At Wake Forest, Schwieger averaged 20 minutes per game. Notably, he scored 12 points in a loss to Duke.
Northwestern previously pursued Schwieger in the portal and could do so again. He would help fill a major frontcourt need and provide West with a reliable pick-and-roll partner.
Riley Allenspach, George Mason
Like Schwieger, Allenspach is another big man that NU pursued in last year’s portal. The 6-foot-11 forward played two seasons at Samford before transferring to George Mason. Allenspach combines his physical prowess with finesse and craftiness around the rim, making him a force in the paint.
At George Mason, where his minutes doubled from his days at Samford, he averaged almost 14 points and over six rebounds per game. He also attempted more than two 3-pointers per game, and his 68% free-throw shooting suggests room for offensive growth.
Northwestern was a finalist in Allenspach’s recruitment last April, but things fell through after he canceled his visit.
Sam Orme, Belmont
Orme spent two seasons at Belmont, where he competed at the highest levels of mid-major basketball. In his second year, he placed second on the team in points, rebounds and blocks.
This past season, Orme averaged 12.7 points on 55.9% shooting from the field and 39.7% shooting from deep. He also contributed five rebounds and just under a steal and a block per game. Orme is a physical finisher who is a threat from long range and off the dribble. He provides great rim protection for his size and is the do-it-all wing Northwestern has historically needed to find success.
Despite the possibility that Orme may follow his former Belmont coach, Casey Alexander, to Kansas State, Northwestern’s pitch is straightforward. He would return to the Midwest, near his home state of Indiana. He would be given the keys to the wing position for the ‘Cats and could play off of Jake West. Finally, he would have two years to pursue his degree and grow into a Northwestern great.
Michael McNair, Boston University
McNair is the only player on this list not currently in the transfer portal, though he tested the waters last year. If he enters, he would likely be one of the most sought-after players available.
McNair is one of the best shooters in the country, averaging 44.4% from beyond the arc in his third year at BU. He led the team in scoring and also added over five rebounds per game. McNair is what one might call a pure scorer, with a feel for the game and fluidity in his movement with or without the ball. He can shoot from all over the floor and is a threat as soon as he crosses halfcourt.
Northwestern may already have interest after facing him this season. The Wildcats beat the Terriers by 24, but McNair scored 20 points and had six threes. McNair’s effort was so impressive that it may earn him an offer from the ‘Cats.
While all of these names are speculative, one thing is clear: Northwestern must add multiple pieces in the transfer portal. Collins needs to rebuild the roster from the ground up and lay the foundation for the program’s future.
