NFL
By Bill Carroll
Date: Saturday, August 30, 2025
Location: Yulman Stadium, New Orleans, LA
Kickoff: 12:00 PM ET (ESPNU)
Strengths
- Quarterback improvement (2025): The Wildcats landed former SMU quarterback Preston Stone via the transfer portal after struggling with offensive output in 2024. Stone is expected to be a significant upgrade and has the potential to elevate the entire offense.
- Strong and deep defensive line: Northwestern’s defensive front is one of the best and deepest position groups on the team. The return of experienced players like Aidan Hubbard and Anto Saka, who racked up 12 total sacks between them over the past two seasons, gives the unit continuity and a strong pass rush.
- Veteran offensive line: The offensive line has experience, with five returning starters who have multiple starts under their belts. Left tackle Caleb Tiernan is a particularly strong asset and has been mentioned in NFL Draft discussions.
- Disciplined coaching: Head coach David Braun, entering his third season, has instilled a culture of accountability and adapted his approach after a disappointing 2024 season. His hiring of a general manager to navigate the new college football landscape shows the program is evolving.
Weaknesses
- Inexperienced wide receivers: After losing key playmakers, the receiving corps is filled with question marks. Beyond consistent option Griffin Wilde, the depth is largely unproven, which could make it difficult to move the ball through the air.
- Thin tight end room: With the loss of two veteran blockers and limited depth, the tight end position lacks significant experience. The potential transfer additions may fill the void, but inexperience could limit blocking effectiveness.
Daily Northwestern file photo by Henry Frieman - Concerns in the secondary: Key veteran players were lost to the transfer portal, leaving holes at both corner-back and safety. While there are some promising young players like Josh Fussell, their ability to match the production of the departed veterans is uncertain.
- Lack of overall talent and depth: Despite having some experienced starters, analysts note a significant talent gap between Northwestern and the top half of the Big Ten. Poor recruiting in previous years has left the program short on both top-tier talent and overall depth, especially at key skill positions.
Big Men In Trenches—Who Doesn’t Love Charging Into “No Man’s Land”?
Northwestern opens its 2025 campaign not in its newly renovated stadium, but deep in the humidity of New Orleans, facing a Tulane team that’s quietly built a reputation as the Group of Five’s most NFL-ready program. The Wildcats, fresh off a 4–8 season, are looking to redefine their identity under new offensive coordinator Zach Lujan, while Tulane aims to bounce back from a late-season collapse that derailed a promising 9–2 start.
Key Match-ups to Watch
1. Preston Stone Versus Tulane’s Secondary
Northwestern’s biggest off-season splash was landing SMU transfer QB Preston Stone, a former four-star recruit with NFL tools. He’ll be tested immediately by a Tulane secondary led by Bailey Despanie and Micah Robinson, the latter a 2025 NFL Draft pick
Stone’s ability to stretch the field vertically will be critical against a defense that allowed just 58.1% completions last season.
2. Tulane’s Mid-range Passing Game vs. Northwestern Linebackers
Tulane’s new QB Jake Retzlaff (BYU transfer) inherits a system built on timing and rhythm. With Power Four-caliber receivers and the loss of RB Makhi Hughes (1,401 yards, 15 TDs in 2024) opens the door to Maurice Turner, JaMauri McClure, and Arnold Barnes (all may get carries). Expect Tulane to exploit Northwestern’s linebackers in coverage. Both Mac Uihlein and Xander Mueller, who combined for 123 tackles last season, are strong against the run, but are not as refined as coverage players.
3. Trench Warfare: Tulane OL vs. Northwestern DL
Tulane’s offensive line returns experience and size, while Northwestern’s defensive front features Aidan Hubbard (6 sacks) and Adin Huntington (4 sacks). This battle will determine whether Tulane can establish balance or if Stone and the Wildcats can force third-and-long situations.
4. Special Teams Comparison: Northwestern vs. Tulane (2025)
Kicking Game
Northwestern
- Strengths: Historically reliable in short-range field goals. In 2024, kicker Jack Olsen converted 15-of-18 field goals, including a long of 47 yards.
- Weaknesses: Limited range and inconsistency beyond 45 yards. Kickoff depth was below average, often giving opponents a favorable field position.
Tulane
- Strengths: Tulane’s kicking game has been a quiet strength. Valentino Ambrosio (2024) hit 17-of-20 field goals, including multiple 50+ yard attempts. Strong kickoff leg helped pin opponents deep.
- Weaknesses: Occasional inconsistency in high-pressure moments, including a missed game-winner vs. Memphis last season.
Punting Game
Northwestern
- Strengths: Hunter Renner averaged 43.2 yards per punt in 2024, with 18 punts inside the 20. Effective directional punter.
- Weaknesses: Coverage units allowed two returns of 30+ yards last season, exposing lane discipline issues.
Tulane
- Strengths: Tulane’s punter, Casey Glover, averaged 44.8 yards per punt, with excellent hang time and placement. Coverage units ranked top 25 nationally in punt return defense.
- Weaknesses: Slight inconsistency in windy conditions, especially in road games.
Return Game
Northwestern
- Strengths: Drew Wagner is a dynamic returner with Big Ten experience. The first punt return of his career, he returned a punt 72 yards for a touchdown at Iowa (10/26).
- Weaknesses: Blocking schemes on returns were inconsistent, limiting explosive plays.
Tulane
- Strengths: Arnold Barnes III will likely inherit return duties. Mario Williams is gone and averaged 25.1 yards per kickoff return, including a 98-yard TD vs. UCF.
- Weaknesses: Punt return production was minimal, averaging just 5.2 yards per attempt.
Overall Assessment
| Category | Northwestern | Tulane |
|---|---|---|
| Field Goals | Accurate <45 yards | Strong leg, reliable |
| Punting | Solid, directional | Elite hang time |
| Kick Returns | Dangerous with Waner | Explosive with Williams |
| Punt Returns | Average | Below average |
| Coverage Units | Vulnerable lanes | Disciplined, top-tier |
Edge: Tulane
Tulane’s special teams unit is more complete, with better coverage discipline, a stronger leg in the kicking game, and more explosive return potential. Northwestern has a weapon in but needs improved blocking and coverage to match Tulane’s consistency.
NFL Prospects to Watch
Northwestern
- Anto Saka (DE, RS-Junior). He does not simply rush the passer; he interrogates offensive tackles. His toolbox is overflowing: speed rushes, speed-to-power conversions, long-arms, chops, rips, swims, spins, and two-handed swipes. He’s a relentless edge aggressor who weaponizes his burst to pry open the B-gap and punishes tackles for over-setting like Ronan the Accuser. Undersized? Yes. But Saka compensates with violence, leverage, and a pass rush plan that reads like a manifesto. He is rising in scout’s eyes.
- Caleb Tiernan (LT, Senior) The enforcer on the line, Tiernan’s a senior who brings leadership, size, and enough nastiness to occasionally finish a foe. Tiernan has the attention of NFL scouts.
- Preston Stone (QB RS-Senior) – NFL scouts will be watching his transition to Big Ten-level competition.
- Aidan Hubbard (EDGE RS-Senior) – Explosive off the edge, with a knack for disrupting timing.
Tulane
- Maurice Turner (RB) – A Louisville transfer who could be the top Group of Five back with NFL potential.
- Jake Retzlaff (QB) – If his character questions are quelled and he clicks early, his stock could rise in the 2026 draft.
- Tre Shackleford (WR) – A versatile and experienced multiple transfer [Washington State/Austin Peay] who can beat and read coverage with YAC ability.
- Bailey “Slim” Despanie (SS). He has size and is athletic. In 202,4, he started all 14 games, with 52 tackles, 2.5 stops for loss, and two pass breakups. His best game included a season high of nine tackles against Oklahoma (9/15).
Schematic Breakdown
Northwestern (OC Zach Lujan)
- Offensive Identity: Pro-spread with RPO elements, aiming for explosive plays.
- Run-Pass Balance: 45.6% run / 54.4% pass
- Key Traits: Vertical passing, tempo shifts, QB mobility.
Tulane (HC Jon Sumrall)
- Offensive Identity: Balanced attack with mid-range passing and zone runs.
- Run-Pass Balance: 61.5% run / 38.5% pass
- Key Traits: Efficient third-down conversion (48.8%), red zone scoring (87.7%)
Defensive Comparison
- Northwestern: 5.5 yards/play allowed, 26.3 points/game
- Tulane: 5.2 yards/play allowed, 20.6 points/game
Tulane’s defense is so disciplined and opportunistic, forcing 22 turnovers last season to Northwestern’s 16.
Prediction
Tulane’s cohesion and depth give them the edge in Week 1. Northwestern’s new-look offense will flash potential, but Tulane’s mid-range game and defensive discipline could carry the day. As is often the case when teams are quite evenly matched, turnovers and explosive plays will be pivotal.
Final Score Prediction: Tulane 27, Northwestern 23
