Northwestern will look to clinch its second winning season in three years on December 26, as the Wildcats have been selected to play Central Michigan in the GameAbove Sports Bowl.

The formal announcement came on Sunday afternoon, booking the 'Cats' trip to Detroit, Michigan. NU's contest against Central Michigan is set to be held at the Detroit Lions' Ford Field.

Northwestern will make its first appearance in the GameAbove Sports Bowl, formerly known as the Quick Lane Bowl, in program history. However, the Wildcats previously played at Ford Field in the 2003 Motor City Bowl, losing to Bowling Green, 28-24. The GameAbove Sports Bowl and Motor City Bowl (later Little Caesars Pizza Bowl) are technically separate bowl games and have separate histories due to sponsorship reasons, despite being played at the same field and both featuring a Big Ten team against a MAC team.

The Wildcats enter the postseason at 6-6, including 4-5 in Big Ten play. After dropping early-season games to College Football Playoff contenders Tulane and Oregon, Northwestern rattled off four consecutive victories to reach 5-2, including a thrilling upset over Penn State. The 'Cats faltered against a slew of difficult opponents in Nebraska, USC and Michigan before clinching bowl eligibility with a win against Minnesota.

Central Michigan went 7-5 this season, placing fifth in the MAC with a 5-3 conference record. The Chippewas defeated San Jose State by two in their season opener, but were blown out by their two Power Four opponents. Pittsburgh beat Central Michigan in Week 2, 45-17, and Michigan clobbered the Chippewas in Week 3, 63-3.

Northwestern is headed to a bowl game for the second time under head coach David Braun. In 2023, the 'Cats ran the table with four wins to end the year. The Wildcats defeated Utah in the Las Vegas Bowl, 14-7, to finish 8-5.

The 2025 GameAbove Sports Bowl will be the second meeting in program history between Northwestern and Central Michigan. The Wildcats previously defeated the Chippewas, 30-25, in 2010. Kickoff is officially set for 1:00 p.m. ET/12:00 p.m. CT.

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