The Wildcats have long been known for their defense, and the progress of this year's unit is a big reason why Northwestern will be playing in the postseason.

During the 4-8 campaign in 2024, Northwestern ranked 16th in the Big Ten in points allowed (26.3 per game) and 13th in yards allowed (361.8 per game). The team's conference record, 2-7 in league play, reflected those struggles.

The 'Cats improved to the Big Ten's seventh-best scoring defense (20.9 points per game) while sitting near the league average in total defense (334.8 yards per game) in 2025. Among the entire FBS, Northwestern ranked 34th in the nation in scoring defense and 36th in total defense.

A group of veteran players led the defensive effort for Northwestern and were selected for All-Big Ten honors on Wednesday as the Wildcats await their bowl destination:

S Robert Fitzgerald (R-Jr.)

2nd Team All-Big Ten by Coaches, 3rd Team All-Big Ten by Media

Fitzgerald earned All-Big Ten honors in his first full season as a starter. The redshirt junior's 68 solo tackles led the conference, while his 109 total tackles ranked third. Fitzgerald also tallied six tackles-for-loss, three pass breakups and an interception.

LB Mac Uihlein (Gr.)

3rd Team All-Big Ten by Coaches & Media

Uihlein recorded career-highs across the board at middle linebacker. His 56 solo tackles (8th B1G) and 93 total tackles (9th B1G) trailed only Fitzgerald among the Wildcats, and Uihlein's four interceptions were just one behind the conference lead.

CB Josh Fussell (R-So.)

Honorable Mention All-Big Ten by Coaches & Media

Fussell was Northwestern's top cover cornerback a year after being thrust into the role as a redshirt freshman. In his first full season as a starter, Fussell had a team-leading nine pass breakups, which ranked third in the Big Ten.

DL Michael Kilbane (Jr.)

Honorable Mention All-Big Ten by Coaches & Media

Kilbane was one of three Northwestern defensive linemen to earn All-Big Ten honors this season after a breakout junior campaign. The former four-star led the 'Cats with 7.5 tackles-for-loss and logged 3.5 sacks.

DL Anto Saka (R-Jr.)

Honorable Mention All-Big Ten by Media

Saka's counting stats don't quite tell the story, as the edge rusher was a disruptive force among NU's defensive front. In 11 games, Saka finished with four tackles-for-loss, three sacks, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.

DL Carmine Bastone (Gr.)

Honorable Mention All-Big Ten by Media

A former walk-on, Bastone provided a physical presence for Northwestern's interior. The team captain and No. 1 jersey recipient posted 28 total tackles, 12 solo tackles, four tackles-for-loss and 2.5 sacks.

CB Braden Turner (R-Jr.)

Honorable Mention All-Big Ten by Media

Turner was all over the field for the Wildcats. Playing primarily in a nickel role, Turner had 50 total tackles, 25 solo tackles, 2.5 tackles-for-loss, three pass breakups, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and an interception.

In addition to the aforementioned defenders, a pair of Northwestern specialists also received All-Big Ten honors.

K Jack Olsen (Gr.)

Honorable Mention All-Big Ten by Coaches & Media

Olsen converted on a stellar 90.5% of his field goals this season, making 19 of his 21 attempts with a long of 41 yards. He also went a perfect 20-for-20 on extra points.

P Luke Akers (Gr.)

Honorable Mention All-Big Ten by Coaches & Media

Akers averaged 45.4 yards per punt on his 32 punts this season, ranking third among the Big Ten. The graduate punter had nine ofhis kicks go more than 50 yards, nine land inside the 20 and just four go for touchbacks.

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