The future of collegiate football is bright, and the 2025 schedule for the Northwestern Wildcats is no exception. The Wildcats will face a challenging slate of opponents, both in the Big Ten Conference and out of conference. The season will begin with a home game against the Purdue Boilermakers, before the Wildcats travel to Ireland to take on the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic. The rest of the non-conference schedule includes a home game against the UMass Minutemen and a road game against the Vanderbilt Commodores.
The Wildcats will open conference play at home against the Wisconsin Badgers, before traveling to Michigan to take on the Wolverines. Other notable games on the schedule include a home game against the Ohio State Buckeyes and a road game against the Penn State Nittany Lions. The Wildcats will finish the season with a home game against the Illinois Fighting Illini.
The 2025 schedule will be a tough one for the Wildcats, but it is also an opportunity for the team to make a statement. With a talented roster and a new head coach, the Wildcats have the potential to be a major player in the Big Ten Conference. The schedule will provide the Wildcats with plenty of opportunities to prove themselves, and the team is excited for the challenge.
Crimson Tide Visit Evanston in Week 3
After a challenging opening two weeks, Northwestern football will face its toughest test of the 2025 season when the Alabama Crimson Tide come to Evanston in Week 3. It will be the first meeting between the two schools since 1996, and a capacity crowd is expected at Ryan Field for the nationally televised showdown.
Alabama, winners of 18 national championships, is perennially one of the top teams in the country. The Crimson Tide have reached the College Football Playoff seven consecutive years, winning it all in 2020 and 2021. They are led by head coach Nick Saban, who is considered one of the greatest coaches in college football history.
Northwestern, on the other hand, is coming off a 3-9 season in 2022. However, the Wildcats have shown signs of improvement under head coach Pat Fitzgerald, who is entering his 18th season at the helm. Northwestern has a young and talented team, and they will be looking to make a statement against Alabama in Week 3.
The game will be a major test for Northwestern, but it is also a great opportunity for the Wildcats to show the country what they are capable of. If they can upset Alabama, it would be one of the biggest wins in program history.
Key Matchups
| Northwestern | Alabama |
|---|---|
| Offense: | Defense: |
| QB Brendan Sullivan | DL Will Anderson Jr. |
| RB Evan Hull | LB Henry To’oTo’o |
| WR Malik Washington | DB Kool-Aid McKinstry |
Wildcats Host Spartans in Primetime Matchup
The Northwestern Wildcats will open their 2025 football season with a primetime matchup against the Michigan State Spartans at Ryan Field. The game will be played on Thursday, August 28, and will be televised on ESPN.
Wildcats Aim to Continue Home Dominance
The Wildcats have a strong history of success at home, going 6-2 in their last eight games at Ryan Field. They will look to continue that success in 2025, when they will host seven home games, including matchups against conference rivals Wisconsin, Purdue, and Iowa.
In their last meeting with the Spartans in 2022, the Wildcats won a close game 17-10. They will be looking for a similar result in 2025, when they will have the home-field advantage.
The Spartans will be looking to avenge their loss to the Wildcats in 2022. They will be led by quarterback Payton Thorne, who threw for over 3,000 yards and 27 touchdowns in 2022.
The game is expected to be a close one, and the Wildcats will need to play their best to earn a victory.
Game Information
| Date: | Thursday, August 28, 2025 |
|---|---|
| Time: | 8:00 PM ET |
| Location: | Ryan Field, Evanston, IL |
| TV: | ESPN |
Northwestern Travels to Ohio State in September
Northwestern will open the 2025 season on the road against Ohio State on Saturday, September 6. The game will be played at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. It will be the first meeting between the two schools since 2015, when Ohio State won 24-20 in Evanston.
Buckeyes Looking for Revenge
Northwestern has won three of the last four meetings with Ohio State, including a 22-21 upset win in 2020. However, the Buckeyes will be looking for revenge in 2025. Ohio State is coming off a disappointing 11-2 season in 2022, and they will be eager to prove that they are still one of the top teams in the country.
Wildcats Face Tough Test
Northwestern will have their hands full against Ohio State. The Buckeyes have one of the most talented rosters in the country, led by quarterback C.J. Stroud and wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. The Wildcats will need to play their best game of the season to have a chance to pull off the upset.
| Team | Record (2022) |
|---|---|
| Northwestern | 4-8 |
| Ohio State | 11-2 |
Game in Philadelphia Marks Return to Lincoln Financial Field.
Northwestern will return to Lincoln Financial Field for the first time since 2021 when they take on Temple on September 13, 2025. The Wildcats won 38-22 in their last meeting in Philadelphia, and they will be looking to extend their winning streak against the Owls to four games.
Home Games
Northwestern will open the 2025 season at home against Eastern Michigan on August 30. They will then host Purdue on September 6 and Miami (OH) on September 20. The Wildcats will close out the non-conference portion of their schedule with a home game against Ball State on September 27.
Road Games
Northwestern will play five road games in 2025. They will open Big Ten play on the road with a game at Nebraska on October 4. The Wildcats will then travel to Wisconsin on October 11, Penn State on October 25, Iowa on November 1, and Illinois on November 22.
Neutral Site Games
Northwestern will play one neutral site game in 2025. They will face Notre Dame at Soldier Field in Chicago on November 15.
| Date | Opponent | Location |
|---|---|---|
| August 30 | Eastern Michigan | Ryan Field |
| September 6 | Purdue | Ryan Field |
| September 13 | Temple | Lincoln Financial Field |
| September 20 | Miami (OH) | Ryan Field |
| September 27 | Ball State | Ryan Field |
| October 4 | Nebraska | Memorial Stadium |
| October 11 | Wisconsin | Camp Randall Stadium |
| October 25 | Penn State | Beaver Stadium |
| November 1 | Iowa | Kinnick Stadium |
| November 8 | OPEN | |
| November 15 | Notre Dame | Soldier Field |
| November 22 | Illinois | Memorial Stadium |
Week 8: vs. Wisconsin
The Badgers come to Ryan Field for the first time since 2019 when the Wildcats upset Wisconsin as a 30-point underdog, winning 35-24. Wisconsin fired head coach Paul Chryst in October, promoting offensive coordinator Jim Leonhard to interim head coach. The Badgers finished 6-6 (4-5 Big Ten) in 2022.
Week 9: vs. Purdue
The Boilermakers visit Ryan Field for the first time since 2021 when Northwestern won, 31-27. Purdue finished 8-6 (6-3 Big Ten) in 2022, including a thrilling 30-24 overtime victory over Tennessee at the Music City Bowl.
Week 7, 8, 9 (Dates and Times TBD):
| Date | Opponent | Time (CT) | Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 11 | Rutgers | TBA | TBA |
| October 18 | Wisconsin | TBA | TBA |
| October 25 | Purdue | TBA | TBA |
Northwestern Faces Nebraska at Home for the First Time
In one of the most intriguing matchups of the 2025 college football season, Northwestern will face Nebraska at home for the first time in program history. The game will be played at Ryan Field on Saturday, October 4th, and is sure to be a memorable event for both teams and their fans.
A New Era for the Wildcats
Northwestern is coming off of a disappointing 2022 season, which saw the Wildcats finish with a 3-9 record. However, a lot of excitement surrounds the team ahead of the 2025 season. Pat Fitzgerald enters his 19th season as head coach and has brought in a talented recruiting class to Evanston.
A Tough Test for the Huskers
Nebraska is coming off of a 4-8 season in 2022, but the Huskers are looking to bounce back in 2025. Led by head coach Matt Rhule, Nebraska has a talented roster that includes several key returners. The Huskers will be looking to make a statement in their first game against Northwestern.
A Storied Rivalry
The Northwestern-Nebraska rivalry is one of the most storied in college football. The two teams have met 59 times since 1892, with Nebraska holding a 39-18-2 advantage. The last time the two teams met was in 2018, when Nebraska won 31-24 in Lincoln.
A Memorable Occasion
The 2025 Northwestern-Nebraska game is sure to be a memorable occasion for both teams and their fans. It will be the first time that the two teams have met in Evanston since 1970, and it is sure to be a competitive and exciting game.
Ticket Information
Tickets for the 2025 Northwestern-Nebraska game will go on sale in the spring of 2025. Fans can purchase tickets online, by phone, or at the Ryan Field box office.
Game Schedule
The 2025 Northwestern-Nebraska game will be played on Saturday, October 4th at 2:30 PM CT. The game will be televised on ESPN.
| Date | Time | Location | TV |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 4, 2025 | 2:30 PM CT | Ryan Field, Evanston, IL | ESPN |
Wildcats Wrap Up Season with Cross-Divisional Clash
Northwestern will conclude its 2025 regular season with a cross-divisional matchup against the Michigan State Spartans. The game will be played at Ryan Field on Saturday, November 22. It will mark the first time the two schools have met since 2019.
Quarterback Situation
Northwestern’s quarterback situation will be a key factor in the game. Two quarterbacks, Brendan Sullivan and Ryan Hilinski, are expected to battle for the starting job during spring practice.
Running Backs
The Wildcats’ running game should be a strength with the return of Jesse Brown and Evan Hull. Brown rushed for 1,000 yards in 2022, while Hull added 900 yards on the ground.
Wide Receivers
Northwestern has a young but talented group of wide receivers led by Malik Washington and Bryce Kirtman. Both players had breakout seasons in 2022, combining for over 1,300 receiving yards.
Offensive Line
The offensive line will be anchored by All-Big Ten selection Ethan Wiederkehr. The Wildcats also added some depth to the unit with the transfer of Cole Hutson from Georgia Tech.
Defensive Line
The defensive line is expected to be a major strength for Northwestern in 2025. The Wildcats return several experienced players, including Adetomiwa Adebawore and Aidan Keanaaina.
Linebackers
The Wildcats have a solid group of linebackers led by Bryce Gallagher and Xander Mueller. Both players were among the team’s leading tacklers in 2022.
Secondary
Northwestern’s secondary will be undergoing a bit of a transition in 2025. The Wildcats lost three starters to the NFL Draft, but they have some talented young players ready to step up.
| Position | Player | Class |
|---|---|---|
| Cornerback | Jaloni Ingram | Junior |
| Cornerback | Cameron Mitchell | Sophomore |
| Safety | Kiyaunta Goodwin | Senior |
| Safety | AJ Hampton | Junior |
Complete 2025 Northwestern Football Schedule
Week 1: at Notre Dame
The Wildcats kick off their 2025 campaign with a challenging road game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. This will be the first meeting between the two schools since 2021.
Week 2: vs. Eastern Illinois
Northwestern returns home for their home opener against the FCS Eastern Illinois Panthers. The Wildcats should be heavily favored in this matchup.
Week 3: vs. Wagner
Another home game follows for Northwestern, this time against the FCS Wagner Seahawks. The Seahawks have not defeated an FBS opponent since 2007.
Week 4: at Michigan
Northwestern travels to Ann Arbor to face their longtime rival, the Michigan Wolverines. The Wolverines have won the last three meetings between the two schools.
Week 5: vs. Iowa
The Wildcats return home to face the Iowa Hawkeyes in a battle of Big Ten West foes. Iowa has won the last two meetings, including a 17-12 victory in 2024.
Week 6: vs. Indiana
Northwestern hosts the Indiana Hoosiers in a must-win game for their bowl hopes. The Wildcats have won the last two meetings, including a 23-20 victory in double overtime in 2023.
Week 7: at Maryland
The Wildcats travel to College Park to face the Maryland Terrapins. Northwestern has won the last three meetings, including a 35-14 victory in 2024.
Week 8: vs. Ohio State
In a highly anticipated matchup, Northwestern hosts the defending national champion Ohio State Buckeyes. The Buckeyes have won the last three meetings, including a 45-24 victory in 2024. Ohio State is known for its high-powered offense led by quarterback C.J. Stroud. The Buckeyes also boast a talented defense that is anchored by linebacker Tommy Eichenberg. Northwestern will need to play their best game of the season to have a chance to upset the Buckeyes.
Week 9: at Purdue
The Wildcats travel to West Lafayette to face the Purdue Boilermakers. Northwestern has won the last two meetings, including a 31-24 victory in 2024.
Week 10: vs. Wisconsin
Northwestern hosts the Wisconsin Badgers in a battle for the Big Ten West title. The Badgers have won the last two meetings, including a 24-10 victory in 2024.
Week 11: at Minnesota
The Wildcats travel to Minneapolis to face the Minnesota Golden Gophers. Northwestern has won the last two meetings, including a 20-13 victory in 2024.
Week 12: vs. Illinois
Northwestern closes out their regular season at home against the Illinois Fighting Illini. The Wildcats have won the last two meetings, including a 27-10 victory in 2024.
Ticket Sales
Single-game tickets for the 2025 Northwestern football season will go on sale in July 2025. Tickets can be purchased online, by phone, or in person at the Ryan Field box office. Group discounts are available for groups of 20 or more.
Gameday Information
Parking
Parking is available at Ryan Field on a first-come, first-served basis. There are a limited number of accessible parking spaces available. Tailgating is permitted in designated areas.
Seating
Ryan Field has a capacity of over 47,000 seats. Seating options include reserved seats, general admission seats, and suites. Fans are encouraged to arrive early to secure their desired seats.
Food and Beverage
A variety of food and beverage options are available at Ryan Field. Concessions stands are located throughout the stadium, and there are also several restaurants and bars in the surrounding area.
Merchandise
Official Northwestern merchandise is available for purchase at the Ryan Field box office and at the Northwestern Athletics website.
Other Amenities
Other amenities at Ryan Field include:
- Public restrooms
- First-aid stations
- ATMs
- Wi-Fi
Prohibited Items
The following items are prohibited at Ryan Field:
- Outside food and beverage
- Weapons
- Illegal drugs
- Tobacco products
- Pets (except for service animals)
Game Day Schedule
The following is a typical game day schedule for Northwestern football games:
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 2:00 PM | Gates open |
| 3:00 PM | Pre-game festivities begin |
| 3:30 PM | Kickoff |
| End of game | Post-game celebration |
Previewing the Wildcats’ 2025 Campaign
1. Nebraska
The 2025 season kicks off with a home game against Nebraska. The Cornhuskers have been a long-time rival of Northwestern, and the two teams have played each other every year since 1951. Nebraska will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2024 season, but they will be a tough opponent for the Wildcats.
2. Miami (OH)
Northwestern’s second game of the season is a home game against Miami (OH). The RedHawks are a perennial contender in the MAC, and they will be looking to knock off the Wildcats in their Big Ten opener. This will be a good test for Northwestern’s young team.
3. Duke
The Wildcats will travel to Durham, North Carolina, to take on Duke in their third game of the season. The Blue Devils are a rising program under head coach Mike Elko, and they will be looking to make a statement against Northwestern. This will be a tough road game for the Wildcats.
4. Indiana
Northwestern returns home to face Indiana in their fourth game of the season. The Hoosiers are a Big Ten East rival, and they will be looking to get back on track after a disappointing 2024 season. This will be a key game for the Wildcats in their quest to reach a bowl game.
5. Purdue
The Wildcats will travel to West Lafayette, Indiana, to take on Purdue in their fifth game of the season. The Boilermakers are a Big Ten West rival, and they will be looking to defend their home turf against Northwestern. This will be a tough road game for the Wildcats.
6. Maryland
Northwestern returns home to face Maryland in their sixth game of the season. The Terrapins are a Big Ten East rival, and they will be looking to build on their success from the 2024 season. This will be a key game for the Wildcats in their quest to reach a bowl game.
7. Wisconsin
The Wildcats will travel to Madison, Wisconsin, to take on Wisconsin in their seventh game of the season. The Badgers are a Big Ten West rival, and they will be looking to get back on track after a disappointing 2024 season. This will be a tough road game for the Wildcats.
8. Michigan State
Northwestern returns home to face Michigan State in their eighth game of the season. The Spartans are a Big Ten East rival, and they will be looking to build on their success from the 2024 season. This will be a key game for the Wildcats in their quest to reach a bowl game.
9. Iowa
The Wildcats will travel to Iowa City, Iowa, to take on Iowa in their ninth game of the season. The Hawkeyes are a Big Ten West rival, and they will be looking to get back on track after a disappointing 2024 season. This will be a tough road game for the Wildcats.
10. Illinois
Northwestern wraps up the regular season with a home game against Illinois. The Illini are a Big Ten West rival, and they will be looking to build on their success from the 2024 season. This will be a key game for the Wildcats in their quest to reach a bowl game.
| Date | Opponent | Location | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 30, 2025 | Nebraska | Ryan Field | 11:00 AM |
| September 6, 2025 | Miami (OH) | Ryan Field | 3:00 PM |
| September 13, 2025 | Duke | Wallace Wade Stadium | 12:00 PM |
| September 20, 2025 | Indiana | Ryan Field | 3:00 PM |
| September 27, 2025 | Purdue | Ross-Ade Stadium | 7:30 PM |
| October 4, 2025 | Maryland | Ryan Field | 3:00 PM |
| October 11, 2025 | Wisconsin | Camp Randall Stadium | 11:00 AM |
| October 18, 2025 | Michigan State | Ryan Field | 3:00 PM |
| October 25, 2025 | Iowa | Kinnick Stadium | 11:00 AM |
| November 1, 2025 | Illinois | Ryan Field | 3:00 PM |
Northwestern Football Schedule 2025: A Season of Opportunity
The Northwestern Wildcats football schedule for 2025 is set to be a challenging one, with a mix of in-conference and non-conference opponents. The Wildcats will open the season at home against the Purdue Boilermakers on August 30th, followed by a road game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers on September 6th. Northwestern will then host the Duke Blue Devils on September 13th before traveling to Evanston, Illinois to take on the Michigan Wolverines on September 20th. The Wildcats will have a bye week on September 27th before opening Big Ten play at home against the Wisconsin Badgers on October 4th.
Northwestern will face a tough road schedule in 2025, with games at the Penn State Nittany Lions on October 11th, the Minnesota Golden Gophers on October 18th, the Iowa Hawkeyes on November 1st, and the Ohio State Buckeyes on November 8th. The Wildcats will also host the Indiana Hoosiers on October 25th, the Maryland Terrapins on November 15th, and the Illinois Fighting Illini on November 22nd. Northwestern will close out the season at home against the Vanderbilt Commodores on November 29th.
The Wildcats will have a chance to make a statement in 2025, with a schedule that features several winnable games. Northwestern will need to take advantage of its home-field advantage and steal a few games on the road to contend for a bowl game.
People Also Ask About Northwestern Football Schedule 2025
When is the Northwestern football schedule for 2025 released?
The Northwestern football schedule for 2025 was released in March of 2023.
Who does Northwestern play in football in 2025?
Northwestern will play Purdue, Nebraska, Duke, Michigan, Wisconsin, Penn State, Minnesota, Iowa, Ohio State, Indiana, Maryland, Illinois, and Vanderbilt in football in 2025.
When is the Northwestern football season in 2025?
The Northwestern football season in 2025 will begin on August 30th and end on November 29th.
Where can I find the Northwestern football schedule for 2025?
You can find the Northwestern football schedule for 2025 on the official Northwestern Athletics website.
