The 'Cats are bringing a high-level recruit in for a visit next weekend.
Northwestern is getting closer to signing a four-star cornerback out of the state of Colorado in the 2027 cycle.
Cristian Mbamarah is coming to campus for a visit on May 29, which is next weekend. He's a four-star recruit, according to Rivals, and a three-star recruit per 247Sports. When the two sites disagree, it is often the case that 247 is just a bit behind in updating its rankings.
Mbamarah is listed at 6-foot-1 with a weight of 175 lbs, so he's more of a technically sound, speedy defensive back rather than a physically imposing one. But he's also still in high school and likely will put on more weight before he dons a college uniform.
As far as where that will be, Northwestern actually seems to have a decent shot despite Mbamarah's four-star status. Typically, anyone ranked higher than a three-star is a bit of a stretch. But Rivals lists the 'Cats as the team second most likely to land his services behind Wisconsin.
Mbamarah's other outstanding offers include Duke, Kansas State and Stanford. But it seems like the Badgers and the Wildcats have the upper hand for now, granted there could be other entrants in the future.
According to his visit schedule, which Rivals reporter Brandon Huffman posted on X, Mbamarah is also visiting Duke, Stanford and Wisconsin in the next few weeks. Rivals gives Stanford and Duke the next two best chances to land him, according to their crystal ball feature.
Mbamarah would be a big get for David Braun for a few reasons. First, the player is talented and he could really help this team down the line. Right now, Northwestern has a stable of returning defensive backs, but it's going to need to restock the position group soon.
Adding a four-star high school recruit to the mix would accomplish that, and it would give Northwestern a development project with a high chance of success.
But the other reason landing Mbamarah could be important is more symbolic. Braun has repeatedly professed his goal of one day leading this program to a Big Ten Championship. Being able to recruit at a higher level is crucial to that ambitious objective.
If Northwestern can emerge as the favorite for a four-star and then finish the job, that's a step in the right direction. That's a sign that Braun and the powers that be within the university understand that there has to be a commitment to competing in recruiting if they want to compete on the field.
