While the transfer portal is still technically open for teams to recruit from, Northwestern appears to be putting the finishing touches on its 2026 roster. David Braun and general manager Christian Sarkisian have already inked the largest transfer portal class in program history, as 16 players have committed to NU during this cycle.

The Wildcats are currently slated to have 113 players, meaning Braun will need to cut at least eight before next season to fit under the new 105-man roster limit imposed by the House vs. NCAA settlement. This doesn't necessarily rule out Northwestern adding more transfers this spring, but it does mean that more players would have to be cut.

Below is a complete breakdown of the 61 defensive players expected to be on Northwestern's spring camp roster. Did the 'Cats fill all of their positions of need? You make the call:

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Transfers: Jamaal Johnson (Gr.), Glory Stephen-Wangboje (R-Jr.), Dominic Kirks (R-So.)

Returners: Brendan Flakes (Gr.), Michael Kilbane (Sr.), Tyler Gant (R-Jr.), Dylan Roberts (R-Jr.), Mason Green (R-Jr.), Callen Campbell (R-So.), Jack Trautmann (R-So.), Braxton Strong (R-So.), Landon Lauter (R-So.), Troy Regovich (R-So.), Tanner Jumpp (R-Fr.), Mason Mayne (R-Fr.), Caden O'Rourke (R-Fr.), Jonah Hayes (R-Fr.)

Freshmen: Nick Zalewski, Ronald Derrick, Tre Hoskins, Nick Costa, Calvin Lorek

Northwestern's front four was the calling card of its defense this past fall, but the Wildcats are facing a makeover in 2026. Michael Kilbane is the lone returning starter after Aidan Hubbard and Carmine Bastone graduated and Anto Saka left for Texas A&M. It will be up to a handful of inexperienced underclassmen to make the leap in their absence. Dominic Kirks — a former four-star recruit at Ohio State — could be a dark horse in the race.

Transfers: Kobie McKinzie (Gr.)

Returners: Braydon Brus (Gr.), Jason Reynolds II (Gr.), Miles Crutchley (Gr.), Jack Sadowsky V (Sr.), Payton Roth (R-Jr.), Nigel Glover (R-Jr.), Matthew Smith (R-So.), Josh Veldman (R-Fr.), Lincoln Creager (R-Fr.)

Freshmen: Max Mohring, Amare Jordan

Braydon Brus' speed was a weapon for Northwestern's defense, but the loss of Mac Uihlein leaves a massive hole. Graduate transfer Kobie McKinzie, who started seven games as Oklahoma's middle linebacker in 2025, will look to fill the void with high-level experience.

Transfers: Brenden Deasfernandes (Gr.), Montae Pate (Gr.)

Returners: Robert Fitzgerald (Gr.), Braden Turner (Gr.), Jack Oyola (Gr.), Josh Fussell (R-Jr.), J.J. Lewis (R-Jr.), Damon Walters (R-Jr.), Cole Shivers (R-Jr.), Jalen Lewis (R-Jr.), Alijah Jones (So.), Marquet Dorsey Jr. (So.), Jon Jon Stevens Jr. (So.), Terrion Curry-Hicks (R-So.), Timi Oke (R-So.), Tito Williams Jr. (R-So.), Sean Martin (R-So.), Seth Valeri (R-Fr.)

Freshmen: Gabe Davis-Ray, Jaden Vaughn, Nate Dawson

Pending the health of safety Damon Walters, the 'Cats largely return most of their top-end talent. Josh Fussell remains the team's best boundary corner, while Brenden Deasfernandes (Central Michigan) and Montae Pate (Weber State) should slide right in to replace the graduating Fred Davis II and Ore Adeyi. Robert Fitzgerald provides All-Big Ten play as Northwestern's free safety.

The wild card in the room is that three true freshmen burned their redshirts last season — Alijah Jones, Marquet Dorsey Jr. and Jon Jon Stevens Jr. If any of the upperclassmen struggle or Walters can't stay healthy again, David Braun likely will not hesitate to turn to his promising class of sophomores.

Transfers: Jackson Kleather (Sr.)

Returners: Henry Helms (R-Jr.)

Freshmen: Noah Sur

With longtime starter Jack Olsen headed to South Beach, the 'Cats brought in Bowling Green kicker Jackson Kleather, who made 86.7% of his field goals last year. Noah Sur is the No. 3 kicker in the Class of 2026.

Transfers: None

Returners: Nikola Dugandzic (R-Fr.)

Freshmen: None

Nikola Dugandzic was the No. 1-ranked punter in the Class of 2025 and is the lone punter set to be on Northwestern's roster. Though he did not punt last season, Dugandzic did handle 21 kickoffs, recording six touchbacks.

Transfers: Evan Boutorwick (Gr.)

Returners: Jack Florentine (R-So.)

Freshmen: None

Despite spending four years at Michigan, Evan Boutorwick somehow has three seasons of eligibility remaining. He has played one game in his collegiate career, while Jack Florentine appeared in all 13 for the Wildcats on special teams last season.