David Braun says Northwestern has not named a starting quarterback despite Aidan Chiles entering camp as the favorite. Braun emphasized that competition remains open as Chiles, Nicco Marchiol and the rest of the Wildcats' quarterback room battle for the Week 1 job.
Northwestern entered the offseason with many expecting Michigan State transfer Aidan Chiles to immediately take over as the Wildcats' starting quarterback.
However, during Big Ten Football Media Days in Chicago, head coach David Braun wasn't ready to make that official.
Jul 30, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Northwestern Football head coach David Braun speaks during Big Ten Media Days at Hilton Chicago. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn ImagesWhen asked about the quarterback position, Braun declined to name a starter, instead emphasizing the competition taking place inside Northwestern's quarterback room.
"We are not ready to name a starting quarterback," Braun said.
Braun later expanded on his answer, making it clear the competition remains open.
"I still think there's a lot of competition in that quarterback room," Braun said. "We're not in a position right now to name a starter, but we won't go into Week 1 wondering."
Although Chiles remains the overwhelming favorite to eventually earn the job, Braun's comments indicate Northwestern's coaching staff wants every quarterback to continue competing rather than handing the position to one player before camp fully begins.
Chiles arrived in Evanston with significant experience after spending the past two seasons at Michigan State.
During his time with the Spartans, he threw for 3,807 yards, 23 touchdowns and 14 interceptions, while helping Michigan State win eight games. His combination of arm talent, mobility and experience made him one of the most notable transfer additions of Northwestern's offseason.
His arrival also reunited him with new offensive coordinator Chip Kelly.
Kelly has built one of the strongest reputations in college football for developing quarterbacks and producing explosive offenses at Oregon, UCLA and most recently Ohio State, where he helped guide the Buckeyes to a national championship in 2025. Because of that track record, many believe Chiles could thrive under Kelly's offensive system.
Jan 20, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes offensive coordinator Chip Kelly celebrates after winning against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the CFP National Championship college football game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn ImagesHowever, Northwestern's quarterback room features more than just one experienced transfer.
Former West Virginia quarterback Nicco Marchiol also transferred to Evanston after spending four seasons with the Mountaineers.
During his career at West Virginia, Marchiol appeared in 23 games, completing 137 of 220 passes for 1462 yards, 10 touchdowns and seven interceptions while adding 341 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns. His experience as both a starter and reserve gives Northwestern another veteran option capable of competing for playing time.
Marchiol provides Northwestern with another experienced option capable of pushing Chiles throughout camp.
The Wildcats also return Ryan Boe, who appeared in seven games during the 2025 season. While Boe attempted only seven passes, much of his playing time came in short-yardage packages where his athleticism was utilized in Northwestern's running game.
The future of the position also appears promising.
Northwestern added Johnny O'Brien, the No. 71-ranked quarterback in the Class of 2026, giving the Wildcats another highly regarded prospect to develop over the coming years.
For Braun, refusing to name a starter isn't necessarily an indication that Chiles is losing the competition.
Instead, it reflects the competitive culture Northwestern wants throughout its roster. Every position continues to be evaluated as camp begins, and Braun has repeatedly emphasized earning roles rather than awarding them before practices determine the depth chart.
Still, Chiles enters camp with the experience, pedigree and upside many expect will ultimately make him Northwestern's Week 1 starter.
Now, it's up to him to officially win the job.
With Chip Kelly overseeing the offense and one of the deepest quarterback rooms Northwestern has had in years, the Wildcats appear committed to making sure whoever takes the first snap of the 2026 season has earned it.
