The NFL is finally back, and Week 1 of the regular season is here.

The 2026 season officially kicked off this week, and several former Northwestern Wildcats are ready to begin another NFL season. Nine Northwestern alumni are featured in the Week 1 matchups below, giving fans plenty of opportunities to watch former Wildcats compete across the league.

Here's everything you need to know about how to watch Northwestern alumni in the NFL this weekend:

1:00 p.m. ET/12:00 p.m. CT on FOX

CAR: DL TeRah Edwards (NU 2020-21); CHI: None

TeRah Edwards enters the 2026 season looking to continue competing for opportunities along Carolina's defensive line. The former Northwestern defensive lineman will get his first regular-season opportunity of the year against the Bears in a matchup that could give him a chance to make an early impact.

1:00 p.m. ET/12:00 p.m. CT on CBS

BAL: None; IND: DL Adetomiwa Adebawore (NU 2019-22)

Adetomiwa Adebawore begins another season with the Colts and will look to make an impact along Indianapolis' defensive line. The former Northwestern standout was selected by the Colts in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft and has continued to develop into a rotational defensive lineman.

1:00 p.m. ET/12:00 p.m. CT on CBS

TEN: OL Peter Skoronski (NU 2020-22); NYJ: None

Peter Skoronski enters his fourth NFL season as one of the most established Northwestern alumni in the league. The Titans selected him No. 11 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, and he has started every game he has played in Tennessee. After playing tackle at Northwestern, Skoronski has established himself at guard in the NFL and remains an important piece of the Titans' offensive line.

1:00 p.m. ET/12:00 p.m. CT on FOX

ATL: None; PIT: WR Ben Skowronek (NU 2016-19)

Ben Skowronek begins another season in Pittsburgh after continuing to carve out a role as a versatile offensive player. The former Northwestern receiver has experience contributing as both a pass catcher and special teams player, making his ability to find opportunities within the Steelers' offense something to watch throughout the season.

4:25 p.m. ET/3:25 p.m. CT on CBS

ARI: DL Eku Leota (NU 2018-20); LAC: OL Rashawn Slater (NU 2017-20)

Eku Leota and Rashawn Slater give Northwestern fans two players to watch in this matchup. Leota continues to compete along Arizona's defensive front after developing into an NFL contributor, while Slater enters another season as one of the most accomplished former Wildcats in the league. Slater is looking to continue his career with the Chargers after returning from the injury that kept him out for the 2025 season.

4:25 p.m. ET/3:25 p.m. CT on FOX

MIA: WR Malik Washington (NU 2019-22); LV: None

Malik Washington enters another season with the Dolphins after continuing to develop as a young NFL receiver. The former Northwestern Wildcat brings speed and playmaking ability to Miami's receiving corps and will look to begin the season by earning opportunities in the offense. His matchup against Las Vegas gives him an early chance to establish himself in the Dolphins' rotation.

4:25 p.m. ET/3:25 p.m. CT on CBS

GB: None; MIN: OT Caleb Tiernan (NU 2021-25)

Caleb Tiernan begins his NFL career with the Minnesota Vikings after being selected in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft. The former Northwestern offensive tackle was the No. 97 overall pick and enters his rookie season looking to establish himself along Minnesota's offensive line. Tiernan brings significant experience from his Northwestern career and will have an opportunity to begin his NFL journey against the Packers.

8:20 p.m. ET/7:20 p.m. CT on NBC and Peacock

NYG: CB Greg Newsome II (NU 2018-20); DAL: None

Greg Newsome II enters another season as one of Northwestern's most accomplished active NFL defensive backs. The Giants acquired the former first-round pick after he spent the first portion of his career with the Cleveland Browns.

Newsome will now look to establish himself in New York's secondary and begin the season against a familiar NFC East opponent. Northwestern fans will have a chance to watch one of the program's top recent defensive backs begin a new chapter in his career.

Sunday, Sept. 13: Buffalo Bills at Houston Texans

Sunday, Sept. 13: Cleveland Browns Vs Jacksonville Jaguars

Sunday, Sept. 13: New Orleans Saints at Detroit Lions

Sunday, Sept. 13: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Cincinnati Bengals

Sunday, Sept. 13: Washington Commanders at Philadelphia Eagles

Monday, Sept. 14: Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs

The regular season is finally here, and with nine former Wildcats featured in these Week 1 matchups, Northwestern fans have plenty of reasons to tune in throughout the opening weekend. From a rookie offensive lineman beginning his NFL career to established veterans like Peter Skoronski and Rashawn Slater, the Wildcats' presence continues to be felt across the league.