Northwestern Wildcats Offer Four-Star 2027 Receiver Out of California

Ryan Cole

Oct 14, 2025, 22:20

Ryan Cole

Oct 14, 2025, 22:20

Updated at: Oct 14, 2025, 22:20

Northwestern is becoming quite the story on the field after its shocking victory on the road against Penn State this weekend, but there's still emerging news outside the lines. Recruiting rolls on, as always, and today the 'Cats offered a highly-regarded 2027 wide receiver.

Kingston Celifie out of California announced his Northwestern offer on X yesterday. Celifie is a four-star recruit, according to Rivals' industry rankings, and a three-star on 247Sports, so there's some mild disagreement.

Rivals lists Celifie as its No. 33 receiver in the class as well as the No. 22 player from California. On 247, he's the No. 28 player from California, and he's listed as the No. 17 "athlete" which muddies the rankings a bit but suggests he has some positional flexibility.

In his X bio, Celifie lists himself as a "WR/RB/DB," so there's some chance he'd play defense at the college level. But Rivals certainly seems to believe he's best as a wide out.

He's the latest four-star to receive an offer from the 'Cats, a trend that's becoming more and more solid with each passing week. David Braun and co. seem to be committed to recruiting at a higher level, utilizing the school's resources and renewed commitment to athletics.

Oct 11, 2025; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Northwestern Wildcats head coach David Braun looks on from the field prior to the game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images

It's been discussed perhaps an egregious amount over the past few years, but college sports is in an era of extreme change. It's unpredictable and hard to figure out how best to move forward, but it's also an opportunity for programs like Northwestern to gain an edge they play their cards correctly.

Indiana, for example, gained a ton of prestige and recognition as a good football program over the past two years. A lot of that happened because it's been able to recruit at a higher level and, in turn, attract talent in the transfer portal.

The reality is, though, it's still hard to compete with traditional power houses. So far, Celifie doesn't have any offers from those schools. According to 247Sports, schools like Arizona, Cal and Kansas have submitted offers. That's a far cry from the Michigans and Ohio States of the world.

Now, those schools could of course swoop in and offer Celifie, but, for now, Northwestern appears to have a really solid shot.

Receiver is certainly a position of need for the Wildcats down the road. Young players like Ricky Ahumaraeze are promising, and Griffin Wilde isn't going anywhere after this season. But the 'Cats have likely learned that it's important to surround a prized transfer quarterback with real weapons.

Northwestern has been a good developmental program in the trenches, but it could benefit from making some strides in that department at other positions. Celifie represents an opportunity.

Northwestern Wildcats Offer Four-Star 2027 Receiver Out of California