Today, Northwestern released its conference schedule for the 2025-26 men's basketball season. Fresh off a new contract extension, head coach Chris Collins and defending Big Ten leading scorer Nick Martinelli are looking to get back to the NCAA Tournament for the third time in four seasons.
The teams on the schedule, since it's the Big Ten schedule, were predictable. But in the expanded conference, the 'Cats play just three teams twice this season: in-state rival Illinois, Minnesota and Nebraska.
Here's the schedule:
- at Wisconsin (12/3)
- vs. Ohio State (12/6)
- vs. Minnesota (1/3)
- at Michigan State (1/8)
- at Rutgers (1/11)
- vs. Illinois (1/14)
- vs. Nebraska (1/17)
- at USC (1/21)
- at UCLA (1/24)
- vs. Penn State (1/29)
- vs. Washington (1/31)
- at Illinois (2/4)
- at Iowa (2/8)
- vs. Michigan (2/11)
- at Nebraska (2/14)
- vs. Maryland (2/18)
- at Indiana (2/24)
- vs. Oregon (2/28)
- vs. Purdue (3/4)
- at Minnesota (3/7)
Overall Outlook
The 'Cats got a pretty solid draw here, especially in their home-and-home series games. Minnesota isn't a scary Big Ten team -- they've been bottom-feeders in the conference in recent seasons. Nebraska is solid, but it's also a team Northwestern will have a chance to beat. And Illinois is the rivalry series, so there's not much you can do about that.
Now, Nebraska and Minnesota could always be much better than expected. It's important to remember when analyzing a preseason schedule that nobody knows anything about anything. It's entirely up in the air how good these teams will be, including the 'Cats.
As far as home matchups, it's nice to get the Boilermakers back in Welsh-Ryan Arena again. It hasn't been a nice place for Purdue to play in recent history. Having Michigan and Oregon at home is also good for Northwestern.
The 'Cats will have to travel to Michigan State and Indiana. Those are always tough places to come out of with a win, but, again, who knows what these teams look like when real basketball is being played.
Matchup to Watch
This is boring, but Illinois on the road is generally a fantastic litmus test for the Wildcats. Sometimes, that game ends in a soul-crushing blowout. Other times, the 'Cats hang around and make it interesting.
If Northwestern is able to compete with the Illini on their home floor in February, then this is a team that can make the dance. If it can't, that doesn't necessarily mean it's screwed, but it's a negative sign for sure.
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