Eight Northwestern players earned Phil Steele Preseason All-Big Ten honors, highlighting the experience and returning production the Wildcats bring into the 2026 season.
Northwestern football earned significant recognition ahead of the 2026 season, with eight players receiving Preseason All-Big Ten honors from Phil Steele.
Wide receiver Griffin Wilde led the group as a First Team selection, while defensive lineman Jamaal Johnson earned Second Team honors. Running back Caleb Komolafe, tight end Alex Honig, linebacker Braydon Brus and safety Robert Fitzgerald were all named to the Third Team. Defensive back Braden Turner and running back Joseph Himon II rounded out the list as Fourth Team selections.
The eight selections highlight the experience and returning production Northwestern brings into the upcoming season as the Wildcats look to build on last year's progress under head coach David Braun.
Wilde headlines the group after a breakout 2025 campaign. In his first season at the FBS level, the senior wide receiver recorded 71 receptions for 880 yards and eight touchdowns in 13 games.
His production earned him Third Team All-Big Ten honors last season and has now elevated him to a First Team preseason selection entering 2026, making him one of the most valuable players on this roster.
Northwestern's offense will also be fueled by the return of Komolafe, who emerged as one of the conference's top running backs last season. The redshirt junior rushed for 941 yards and 11 touchdowns while averaging 4.95 yards per carry. His rushing yardage and touchdown totals were both program bests during Braun's tenure.
The Wildcats also added transfer tight end Alex Honig, who arrives from UConn after recording 13 catches for 162 yards and three touchdowns last season. At 6-foot-6 and 275 pounds, Honig brings both size and experience to Northwestern's offense.
Defensively, Fitzgerald and Brus return as key leaders. Fitzgerald earned Second Team All-Big Ten honors in 2025 after leading the conference with 69 solo tackles. The safety finished the season with 114 total tackles, six tackles for loss and an interception while establishing himself as one of the league's most productive defensive backs.
Brus was equally impactful at linebacker, recording 81 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks last season. He also added four pass breakups and two forced fumbles while serving as a centerpiece of Northwestern's defense.
Johnson and Turner provide additional veteran experience on that side of the ball. Johnson arrives from UCF after appearing in 12 games last season, while Turner produced 56 tackles, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and a defensive touchdown in 2025.
Himon's versatility earned him preseason recognition as well. He finished last season with 735 all-purpose yards while setting career highs in rushing yards, receptions and kick return average.
While preseason honors do not guarantee success once the season begins, having eight players recognized by Phil Steele reflects the amount of proven talent returning to Evanston. With experienced contributors on both sides of the ball, Northwestern enters the 2026 season with several players expected to make an impact throughout the Big Ten.
