Today, Northwestern finished its 2025 football season on a high note, blowing out Central Michigan 34-7 at the GameAbove Sports Bowl.

The 'Cats scuffled on offense a bit early, but the defense forced three turnovers deep in enemy territory in the second quarter that led to three touchdowns. From there, Northwestern controlled the game and came away with the victory.

Here are three takeaways from the game as we look ahead towards next season.

It's crucial that Griffin Wilde remains in Evanston

Northwestern's WR1 was all over the place in this game. Wilde finished with 10 receptions for 97 yards and two scores in the contest, rounding out a fantastic first season in purple. His final stat line for the year was 783 receiving yards and six touchdowns.

Wilde has another season of eligibility, and it's very important for Northwestern's 2026 team that he returns. It's unclear who will start at quarterback -- more on that later -- but he's going to need a reliable pass catcher. Wilde checks all the boxes.

Hayden Eligon II is an emerging option, and he certainly has all the tools to take over the reigns as a WR1, but the 'Cats shouldn't count on it. Ideally, next year's team has a deeper receiver room, and Eligon is given even more time to develop with Wilde as a running mate. There's no reason to believe the latter is transferring, but you never know in this day and age.

The defense finished strong 

Overall, Northwestern's defense was a strength this season. It was middle-of-the-pack in the Big Ten in yards allowed, but that's about all you can ask for. The 'Cats quietly had some studs in safety Robert Fitzgerald, as well as edge rushers Anto Saka and Aidan Hubbard. Other than Saka, who missed the game with injury, they came to play today.

The Wildcats forced four turnovers in the contest, the main reason why they dominated the game. Central Michigan could never get anything going on offense, finishing with 178 yards through the air and 91 yards on the ground.

Coming into the game, we knew Central Michigan would try to play a similar style of offense to Northwestern -- win in the ground game and control possession. Northwestern's defense did a tremendous job thwarting that plan. 

A transfer QB is coming

This isn't an indictment on Ryan Boe, who subbed in for a drive late in the game and went 1-of-4. It's just an honest assessment of where this team is and where it needs to be.

The Wildcats' offense wasn't good enough this season under Preston Stone. It had the offensive line to be much better. It had the defense to hold leads. Stone was just inconsistent as a passer, sometimes flashing but too often losing games with poorly timed interceptions.

Next year, Northwestern has a lot of talent potentially returning. It has two receiver threats. Caleb Komolafe will likely be back in the running back room. The offensive line is always solid. It would be a shame if they wasted a talented roster by failing to address the most important position on the football field, and I think they know that.

Read More Northwestern Wildcats Coverage

MORE: Northwestern Defense Dominates in GameAbove Sports Bowl Victory

MORE: Several Key Northwestern Wildcats Out for GameAbove Sports Bowl

MORE: Is Ryan Boe the Starting Quarterback of Northwestern's Future?

MORE: Former Northwestern WR Selected to Pro Bowl with Pittsburgh Steelers

MORE: Chicago Bears Sign Former Northwestern Tight End to Practice Squad