Big Ten football power rankings after spring portal closes: Did Nittany Lions get better?
By Josh Yourish
Northwestern. . 489. . . Head Coach: David Braun. Last Year: 8-5 Las Vegas Bowl W. . . 17
Key losses: Brendan Sullivan, Ben Bryant, Josh Priebe Key additions: Matt Keeler, Zachary Franks
The Northwestern football program could have spiraled after Pat Fitzgerald was dismissed, but David Braun kept things together and managed to win eight games. It was a fantastic season, but it’s unlikely Braun will be able to replicate it.
The Wildcats won six of their eight games by one score, a hard feat to replicate, and now the team will need to replace its quarterback. Brendan Sullivan who split time with Ben Bryant last year, entered the transfer portal and now both quarterbacks are gone. Ryan Hilinski is likely in line for the starting job, and that’s not good news.