A former three-star is transferring from Evanston.
The college football transfer portal doesn't officially open until after the new year, but Northwestern is already expecting a departure from its most recent recruiting class.
Offensive lineman Hayden Wright became the first Wildcat to reveal his intentions to enter the portal on Monday with an announcement on social media. As a true freshman, Wright did not appear in any games for the 'Cats.
A native of Kingwood, Texas, Wright committed to Northwestern in October of 2024, choosing the Wildcats over Houston, UTSA and Tulsa. The three-star prospect was ranked No. 89 among offensive tackles in the Class of 2025 and the No. 205 player in the state of Texas, per Rivals.
Wright's recruiting grade ranked 13th out of Northwestern's 20-man freshman class. The Wildcats brought in three offensive linemen in 2025, with Wright slightly trailing three-stars Michael O'Connell and Trey Boyd, but none of them saw the field this season.
Following a turbulent 2024 season up front, David Braun took to the transfer portal last winter to rebuild his offensive line. Northwestern did just that, signing graduate transfers Evan Beerntsen (South Dakota State), Martes Lewis (Minnesota) and Xavior Gray (Liberty). The 'Cats ended up with one of the top offensive lines in the Big Ten this season as a result, with fifth-year seniors Caleb Tiernan and Jackson Carsello joining Beerntsen and Lewis on an experienced unit.
The success of Northwestern's offensive line this fall did not lend much opportunity for the 'Cats' younger linemen to earn playing time. However, next year's group projects to look much different. Redshirt-freshman left guard Ezomo Oratokhai will be the only returning starter, leaving four other spots to be filled by transfers or inexperienced athletes.
Wright could have attempted to battle for one of those four other starting jobs, but it appears he will now hit the transfer portal in search of a new home. By redshirting this season, the 6-foot-5 tackle will have four years of collegiate eligibility remaining.
The Wildcats have had seven offensive linemen transfer out of the program since 2023. Josh Thompson (LSU), Josh Priebe (Michigan), Cooper Lovelace (Colorado), Zachary Franks (Duke), Alexander Doost (Arizona) and long snapper Will Halkyard (TCU) all found Power Four homes, while former four-star Jordan Knox (Nichols State) transferred down to Division II.
Thompson and Doost started all 12 games at right guard this season for LSU and Arizona, respectively. Priebe is now a member of the Miami Dolphins' practice squad.