The Northwestern Wildcats landed an impressive amount of players on a preseason All-Big Ten Team.
The Northwestern Wildcats football team went 7-6 in coach David Braun's third season in Evanston last year, a solid but unspectacular result for a program in search of bigger things.
The Wildcats aren't a trendy pick to compete for the 2026 Big Ten championship but they do plan to feature several talented players who were recently given preseason accolades by the website and magazine Athlon Sports.
Eight Wildcats made writer Steven Lassan's preseason All-Conference team, including three players on the second team and others on the third and fourth teams.
Wilde, Oratokhai, Fitzgerald Make Second Team
Wide receiver Griffin Wilde and offensive tackle Ezomo Oratokhai were both selected to the second team offense by Lassan, while safety Robert Fitzgerald was selected to the second team defense.
Wilde had 71 catches for 880 yards and eight touchdowns during his freshman season with the Wildcats.
Oratokhai has played in 17 games over two seasons so far with coach Braun's team.
Fitzgerald (no relation to Pat Fitzgerald) tallied 115 total tackles last season along with one interception and four pass break-ups, cementing himself as one of the conference's top defensive backs in his fourth year on campus.
Nov 15, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Northwestern Wildcats linebacker Braydon Brus (33) tackles Michigan Wolverines tight end Marlin Klein (17) during the first half at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn ImagesBrus, Himon II Among Other Standouts
Five other Wildcats rounded out Athlon's list including a linebacker, kick returner and running back.
Caleb Komolafe, who racked up 941 yards and 11 touchdowns last season on a five yards-per-carry average for Braun's team, made his way onto the third team.
Breydon Bus, who had 81 combined tackles, four pass break-ups and two forced fumbles, also made the third team.
Backup running back Joseph Himon II made the team as a kick returner after a 131 yard performance on kick and punt returns in 2025.
Kilbane, Turner Round Out All-Big Ten Picks
Defensive lineman Michael Kilbane and defensive back Braden Turner made the fourth team, rounding out the list of eight Northwestern Wildcats selections.
Turner was active all season with 56 combined tackles two interceptions, two fumble recoveries and two pass break-ups.
Kilbane helped clog up the middle of the Wildcats' defense with 43 combined tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks.
Wildcats Follow Big Ten Powers in Preseason Picks
The Wildcats' eight selections followed closely on the heels of multiple Big Ten powerhouse programs including some of the league's most recognizable names.
Michigan had 10 selections while the defending champion Indiana Hoosiers claimed 15. Ohio State 16 selections while Oregon led the league with 19.
The Wildcats have the talent in place to compete with the Big Ten's best, now it's up to coach Braun to make sure it all gels in time for September 5's opener vs. South Dakota State.
Check out Lassan's full Preseason All-Big Ten Team here.
