Fresh off concerns about chemistry and roster turnover, Northwestern has started the season strong.

After surviving a dogfight 81-79 against DePaul at Wintrust Arena on Friday night, the Wildcats extended their winning streak to 4-0. Sure, they have replicated this start before, which is not unprecedented. But this year feels different. Northwestern has built this early success as a brand new team with fresh faces across the roster, proving that the revamped lineup can play winning basketball from day one. It's always good to start brilliantly, but doing so while integrating eight newcomers makes it even more impressive.

A Fresh Look with Substance

This is a good team with legitimate upside, currently ranking 44th nationally per KenPom with solid ratings on both ends — 115.0 offensively and 98.3 defensively. Yes, the early opponents weren't challenging, but Northwestern didn't hide its depth, playing with full strength instead. Through the first three games alone, the Wildcats outscored opponents by 94 points combined, showcasing an offensive arsenal that looks dynamic and balanced.

Chris Collins has deployed a wider rotation this season, regularly playing 10-11 players thanks to the talented 2025 recruiting class. We've seen freshmen Jake West, Tyler Kropp and Phoenix Gill earn minutes as they adapt to the physicality and pace of college basketball. This depth will prove invaluable once Big Ten play arrives, and Collins is wisely using these early games to establish roles and build chemistry across the entire roster.

Martinelli's Dominance Continues

Nick Martinelli is doing exactly what everyone expected. The senior captain is averaging 20.5 points and 6.5 rebounds through four games, pulling from every trick in his bag to carry Northwestern's offense. What's particularly encouraging is his hot shooting from beyond the arc: 6 of 7 on three-point attempts. If Martinelli can maintain even a fraction of that efficiency while defenses key on him, Northwestern's offense becomes exponentially more dangerous. He remains the focal point, and he's thriving in that role.

Transfers Making Immediate Impact

The transfer additions have been nothing short of revelatory, particularly Arrinten Page. No one expected Page to emerge as a legitimate scoring threat given his modest production at Cincinnati last year — just 3.5 points and 2.3 rebounds per game last season. But through four games, he's exploded for 16.0 points and 8.3 rebounds per contest while recording at least one block in every game.

Page's presence in the restricted area has been transformative. Remember how Northwestern survived DePaul on Friday? Behind Martinelli's game-winning free throws, it was Page who secured the critical offensive rebound that gave the Wildcats a second chance. He's positioned himself as a legitimate secondary scorer behind Martinelli, and his 99th ranking in efficiency rate per KenPom — the only Wildcat in the top 100 — validates his breakout. The junior big man is becoming exactly the interior force Northwestern needed, forming a formidable frontcourt partnership with Martinelli.

Jayden Reid has validated his starting spot with dual-threat production: 12.0 points and 5.8 assists per game. His ability to push pace in transition while maintaining scoring efficiency makes him the ideal floor general for this roster. He's also been automatic from the free-throw line, converting 13 of 14 attempts.

Max Green has provided exactly what Northwestern needed from the perimeter: elite three-point shooting at 50%, including a four-triple performance against Cleveland State in just nine minutes. His spacing ability opens up driving lanes and post opportunities for Martinelli and Page.

Singleton's Emerging Stardom

Being ranked 92nd in the 247Sports' 2025 recruiting class, Tre Singleton has showcased exactly why he's the highest-rated recruit in program history. After cementing himself as a starter in the exhibition, the freshman forward is averaging 8.3 points per game while displaying the versatility and maturity that made him a four-star prospect. His clutch buckets in Friday's second half helped Northwestern respond every time DePaul made a run. Singleton's composure in tight moments suggests he won't be overwhelmed when Big Ten play begins.

Too Early to Worry About Windham

K.J. Windham hasn't cracked the starting lineup yet, but it's far too early for concern. With talent stacked across the roster, Collins is using this softer early schedule to test lineups and establish depth. Limited minutes have restricted Windham's opportunities to shine, but his four-three performance in the season opener against Mercyhurst proved he's ready when called upon. This is the player who lives for stepping up in big moments and splashing shots.

And who says Collins won't consider starting him midway through the season once roles solidify?

Final Word

The Wildcats are doing good, but satisfaction shouldn't set in yet. These earlier opponents represent the warm-up act before the real test begins. Big Ten play will reveal whether this promising start translates into sustained success against elite competition. For now, though, Northwestern has every reason to feel confident about what this revamped roster can accomplish.

Before hitting the conference slate, an ACC powerhouse, Virginia, is welcoming the Wildcats next.

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