Northwestern will be represented by Griffin Wilde, Caleb Komolafe, and Robert Fitzgerald at the 2026 Big Ten Football Media Days in Chicago, highlighting key returning leaders on both sides of the ball ahead of the upcoming season.
Northwestern will be well represented at one of the biggest preseason events on the college football calendar, as wide receiver Griffin Wilde, running back Caleb Komolafe, and defensive back Robert Fitzgerald have been selected to attend the 2026 Big Ten Football Media Days.
The announcement came as the Big Ten released its full list of 54 student-athletes scheduled to participate in the three-day event at the Hilton Chicago from July 28–30. Northwestern’s trio will appear on July 30, representing the Wildcats on the final day of coverage.
The Wildcats’ selections feature key returning contributors on both sides of the ball, highlighting a roster that enters the 2026 season with a mix of established production and developing talent.
Griffin Wilde enters the season as Northwestern’s leading returning receiver after posting 71 receptions for 880 yards and eight touchdowns in 2025. His ability to consistently create separation and produce in key moments makes him a central piece of the Wildcats’ offensive identity.
Caleb Komolafe returns to the backfield after a breakout 2025 season in which he rushed for 941 yards and 11 touchdowns, emerging as one of the conference’s most productive running backs. His combination of vision, balance, and explosiveness will be a major factor in Northwestern’s offensive success entering 2026 under offensive coordinator Chip Kelly.
On the defensive side, Robert Fitzgerald continues to develop into an important piece of the Wildcats’ secondary. His versatility and experience give Northwestern another veteran presence in a unit aiming to take a step forward this season.
The selection of three players reflects both the leadership and experience returning to a Northwestern roster that is looking to build on recent momentum. With key contributors returning on both offense and defense, expectations are rising as the Wildcats prepare for the 2026 campaign.
Northwestern head coach David Braun will also represent the program at Media Days, joining all Big Ten head coaches as the conference prepares for another highly competitive season.
The Big Ten Football Media Days will serve as the unofficial start to the 2026 college football season, offering an early spotlight on programs across the conference ahead of fall camp.
For Northwestern, the presence of Wilde, Komolafe, and Fitzgerald provides an opportunity to showcase three of the program’s key leaders as the Wildcats prepare for a pivotal 2026 season.
