Northwestern stars Griffin Wilde and Robert Fitzgerald earned Preseason All-Big Ten Second Team honors from The Athletic ahead of the 2026 season, highlighting the Wildcats' growing national recognition entering a pivotal year under David Braun and Chip Kelly.
Northwestern football continues to receive national recognition ahead of the 2026 season.
Wide receiver Griffin Wilde and safety Robert Fitzgerald were both named to The Athletic's Preseason All-Big Ten Second Team, selected by college football writer Scott Dochterman ahead of Big Ten Media Days. The honor recognizes both players as two of the conference's top returning performers entering the 2026 season.
For Northwestern, having two players recognized by one of college football's most respected national publications is another sign that the program continues building momentum under head coach David Braun.
Wilde quickly established himself as one of the Big Ten's top receivers during his first season in Evanston after transferring from South Dakota State.
The GameAbove Sports Bowl MVP finished the 2025 season with 71 receptions for 880 yards and eight touchdowns, becoming quarterback Aidan Chiles' top target while earning All-Big Ten honors. Wilde's combination of reliable hands, route running and big-play ability made him one of the conference's most productive receivers.
Nov 22, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Northwestern Wildcats wide receiver Griffin Wilde (17) runs the ball in for a touchdown against Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive back John Nestor (17) during the second half at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn ImagesNow entering another season with Chiles and new offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, expectations are even higher.
Kelly's offense has consistently featured explosive passing attacks throughout his coaching career, and Wilde appears poised to become one of the biggest beneficiaries. With another offseason to build chemistry with Chiles, the senior wide receiver has an opportunity to establish himself among the nation's top pass catchers.
On the defensive side, Fitzgerald continues to anchor Northwestern's secondary.
The veteran safety recorded 114 tackles, six tackles for loss, four pass breakups, one interception and one fumble recovery during the 2025 season while leading the Big Ten in solo tackles. His consistency and physical style earned him All-Big Ten honors last season and now another preseason accolade entering 2026.
Oct 18, 2025; Evanston, Illinois, USA; Northwestern Wildcats defensive back Robert Fitzgerald (6) reacts after intercepting a pass against the Purdue Boilermakers during the second half at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn ImagesFitzgerald's leadership will once again be critical as Northwestern replaces several key contributors on defense. As one of the team's most experienced defenders, he'll be expected to help guide a young secondary through another demanding Big Ten schedule.
The recognition also speaks to Northwestern's continued growth as a program.
The Wildcats have steadily produced more nationally recognized players under Braun, and having two preseason All-Big Ten selections reflects both the development taking place inside the program and the expectations surrounding the 2026 team.
With Chip Kelly leading the offense, an experienced roster returning and Ryan Field set to reopen this fall, Northwestern enters the season with growing optimism.
For Wilde and Fitzgerald, preseason honors are only the beginning. Both veterans will now look to build on last year's success and help lead Northwestern toward another winning season in 2026.
