Picks and Predictions for the Northwestern Wildcats

If you’re just looking to place a few wagers on the Wildcats, here are some of our top picks. Our team of handicappers have spent years betting on the NCAAF, and their picks are backed by experience and research.

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Northwestern Wildcats History

The Northwestern Wildcats football program began in 1882, making it one of the oldest in collegiate football. As a founding member of the Big Ten Conference in 1896, Northwestern has played a significant role in shaping the landscape of college football. The team’s early years were marked by modest success, but they quickly established themselves as a competitive force within the conference.

Throughout the 20th century, the Wildcats experienced periods of both prominence and struggle. Notably, under the leadership of coaches like Ara Parseghian in the 1960s and Gary Barnett in the 1990s, Northwestern achieved remarkable success, including multiple Big Ten championships and memorable bowl appearances. These eras revitalized the program and brought national attention to the team.

In recent decades, the Wildcats have continued to build on their legacy, emphasizing both athletic competitiveness and academic excellence. The program is recognized for producing well-rounded student-athletes and maintaining a strong presence in the Big Ten Conference.

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Northwestern Wildcats Timeline

1882: Northwestern University fields its first intercollegiate football team.
1896: Becomes a founding member of the Western Conference, later known as the Big Ten Conference.
1903: Wins its first Big Ten Conference championship.
1926: Shares the Big Ten title and opens Dyche Stadium (now Ryan Field).
1930-1931: Secures back-to-back Big Ten championships under coach Dick Hanley.
1949: Achieves a victory in the Rose Bowl against California, marking the program’s first bowl win.
1962: Under coach Ara Parseghian, the team attains a No. 1 national ranking during the season.
1995: Wins the Big Ten championship and earns a berth in the Rose Bowl, revitalizing the program under coach Gary Barnett.
2000: Claims another Big Ten co-championship, continuing a period of competitive resurgence.
2018: Captures the Big Ten West Division title and competes in the Big Ten Championship Game.
2020: Wins the Citrus Bowl, concluding a successful season with a top-10 national ranking.
2023: David Braun is appointed as head coach, ushering in a new era for the Wildcats.

Northwestern Wildcats Stats

In the 2024 season, the Northwestern Wildcats faced challenges on both sides of the ball, finishing with a 4-8 record. Offensively, the team averaged 17.8 points per game, ranking 128th nationally, indicating struggles in scoring efficiency. Defensively, they allowed 26.3 points per game, placing them 79th in the nation. The defense showed moments of resilience but often faced difficulties against high-powered offenses.

The rushing attack averaged 98.5 yards per game, highlighting a need for improvement in establishing a more effective ground game. Conversely, the passing game showed potential, with individual players making notable contributions despite the team’s overall challenges. For a more in-depth look at matchups, visit our college football previews page.

Northwestern Wildcats Roster for 2025

As the Wildcats prepare for the 2025 season, the roster features a blend of returning veterans and promising newcomers. Quarterback Jack Lausch, a sophomore standing at 6’2″ and weighing 209 pounds, is expected to lead the offense. His development will be crucial for the team’s success.

In the backfield, running back Cam Porter returns as a key contributor. At 5’9″ and 202 pounds, Porter’s agility and vision make him a significant threat in both the rushing and passing game.

Defensively, linebacker Mac Uihlein, who led the team with 84 tackles in 2024, brings leadership and experience to the unit. His presence will be vital in anchoring the defense.

Northwestern Wildcats Injury Report

As of April 2025, specific details regarding the Wildcats’ injury report are limited. However, injuries during the 2024 season impacted team depth and performance, particularly in key positions. Monitoring player health will be essential as the team approaches the new season.
Keep an eye on Wildcat injuries here:

Northwestern Wildcats Betting Outlook and Trends

Before you start placing bets on the Wildcats this season, make sure that you’re betting along these trends:

Struggles Against the Spread (ATS)

Northwestern had a challenging year covering the spread, finishing with a 1-4 ATS record over their final five games of the 2024 season. This suggests they were often overvalued by sportsbooks, particularly in games against middling or stronger competition. Bettors should be cautious backing the Wildcats unless they’re significant underdogs, where the line might offer more value.

Low-Scoring Games Leading to Unders

With an offense averaging just 17.8 points per game and a defense that held opponents under 30 in most contests, Northwestern frequently landed under the game total. This made totals betting a profitable angle, especially when facing other low-octane teams. The Wildcats’ slow tempo and conservative game plans make them a strong candidate for first-half and full-game under bets.

Performance in Conference Play

Northwestern posted a 2-7 record in Big Ten play, consistently falling short against stronger, deeper rosters. This trend is important because it highlights their difficulties adjusting to high-caliber competition on both sides of the ball. Bettors may want to fade Northwestern in tight spreads within conference games, especially when facing top-tier Big Ten opponents.

Road Game Challenges

The Wildcats covered just 2 of their 5 road games in 2024, showing a lack of consistency and energy when playing away from Evanston. Travel fatigue and hostile environments seemed to negatively impact their already struggling offense. When Northwestern hits the road in 2025, bettors should lean toward opponents with strong home-field records and efficient scoring.

Betting Trends from Last Season

In 2024, the Wildcats encountered a few roadblocks to their success. These were the betting trends we saw come to fruition in the past season.

Inconsistent Performance Against the Spread (ATS): The Wildcats concluded the 2024 season with a 4-8 record both straight-up and against the spread, indicating challenges in meeting oddsmakers’ expectations. This inconsistency suggests that bettors should approach ATS wagers involving Northwestern with caution, particularly when they are favored.

Total Points Leaning Towards the Under: With an offense averaging 17.8 points per game and a defense allowing 26.3 points per game, many of Northwestern’s games resulted in lower total points. This trend implies that betting on the under in games featuring the Wildcats could be advantageous, especially against teams with robust defenses.

Struggles in Conference Play: Northwestern’s 2-7 record in Big Ten matchups highlights their difficulties within the conference. Bettors should be mindful of this when considering wagers on the Wildcats in conference games, as they have historically underperformed in these scenarios.

Key Players for Betting on the Northwestern Wildcats

As the Wildcats prepare for the 2025 season, several players are poised to significantly impact the team’s performance:

Jack Lausch – Quarterback
Jack Lausch, a sophomore quarterback, took over as the starter in the third week of the 2024 season. Standing at 6’2″ and weighing 209 pounds, Lausch completed 159 of 296 pass attempts for 1,714 yards, with 7 touchdowns and 8 interceptions. His dual-threat capability, evidenced by 213 rushing yards and 2 rushing touchdowns, adds versatility to the offense. Bettors might find value in player prop bets related to his total yardage and touchdown contributions, especially as he gains experience.

Cam Porter – Running Back
Senior running back Cam Porter led the Wildcats’ ground game in 2024, accumulating 501 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns. His consistent performance makes him a focal point of the offense. Bettors should monitor his health and workload, as his production is integral to Northwestern’s offensive success.

A.J. Henning – Wide Receiver
A.J. Henning, a senior wide receiver, was the team’s leading receiver in 2024 with 603 yards and 4 touchdowns on 59 receptions. His ability to make plays downfield provides a deep threat for the Wildcats. Prop bets on receiving yards and touchdowns could offer value, particularly in matchups against weaker pass defenses.

Mac Uihlein – Linebacker
Junior linebacker Mac Uihlein anchored the defense with a team-high 84 tackles in 2024. His presence is crucial in both run defense and pass coverage. Bettors might consider the defense’s overall performance and Uihlein’s impact when evaluating game totals and opponent rushing props.

Devin Turner – Defensive Back
Senior defensive back Devin Turner led the team with 3 interceptions in 2024, showcasing his ball-hawking skills. His ability to disrupt opposing passing games can influence defensive prop bets, such as team interceptions and defensive touchdowns.

Northwestern Wildcats Summary

The Northwestern Wildcats may not always dominate the national spotlight, but their games often offer valuable opportunities for bettors who know where to look. From their defensive grit to their challenges on the road, there are clear trends and key player performances that can shape your betting decisions in 2025. Keep an eye on quarterback Jack Lausch’s development, Cam Porter’s workload, and how the defense holds up against high-powered Big Ten offenses.

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