David Braun wants to compete for Big Ten titles. He said it at the end of last season in a press conference after losing to Illinois. He said it again before this season began. He tripled down after the loss to Michigan two weeks ago.
It seems like a lofty goal because it is one, and it all starts with talent acquisition. Transfer portal aside, Northwestern isn't going to start attracting five-star high school recruits over night. It's going to have to build up a football culture and reputation first.
The best way to do that is by winning games, and the best way to win games is to develop lower-ranked players into high-quality starters at the Big Ten level. That's what Braun and his staff are hoping to accomplish with commits like 2026 linebacker Amare Jordan.
Jordan is currently unranked, according to 247Sports and Rivals, and he committed to the program today. The 6-foot-1 Texas native took his only power-four offer and announced his commitment via X.
"I know Coach Braun, Coach McGarigle, Coach White and everyone at Northwestern will help me reach my full potential as both a person and a player," Jordan said in his post.
That's exactly the goal -- maximizing talent. Under Braun, the 'Cats have plenty of examples of doing that. Mac Uihlein, this year's starting middle linebacker, is a perfect one. He's as important as anyone to this year's defense, and he was only a three-star recruit coming into school.
If Braun and Northwestern can develop players like Jordan into players like Uihlein, then the program is in business. Jordan may be unranked for now, but the Wildcats clearly see something in him.
Ratings are important, but they're far from the full story. Jordan also had offers from schools like Army, Montana and Air Force. Those are solid football programs that just aren't in the biggest conferences in the nation. It's important to remember that an arbitrary "star" ranking doesn't define a player, and it can also change at any point. Don't be surprised if 247 or Rivals ranks Jordan in the near future.
Northwestern's 2026 class is now at 20 members. It includes two four-stars in Jaden McDuffie and Owen Fors (neither of which had that ranking when they were recruited).
Read More Northwestern Wildcats Coverage
MORE: Martinelli, Page Help Northwestern Survive South Carolina Comeback
MORE: Northwestern Clinches Bowl Eligibility With 38-35 Win Over Minnesota
MORE: Three Takeaways From an Action-Packed Northwestern Win Over Minnesota, 38-35
MORE: Week 13 Game Predictions: Northwestern vs. Minnesota
MORE: Rebounding Woes and Foul Trouble Sink Northwestern in Season First Loss to Virginia