Big Ten · Evanston, Illinois
Northwestern Football History
Championships, records and rivalries
Program history
NW history
Northwestern opened a new Ryan Field in 2026, exactly a century after the original stadium's first game.
NW history
A century at Ryan Field's site
Northwestern's original stadium hosted its first game on October 2, 1926. The replacement Ryan Field opened against Penn State on October 2, 2026, exactly 100 years later.
The Wildcats won the opener 34–13. Their first two 2026 home dates, against South Dakota State and Colorado, were played at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium on the lakefront.
NW history
The 1995 breakthrough
Northwestern's 1995 Big Ten championship season took the program to the Rose Bowl. The trip is a landmark in the school's modern football history.
The program's story spans different venues and eras; the current 2026 roster is listed separately from past teams.
NW history
Braun and the current slate
David Braun leads the 2026 Wildcats. Chip Kelly coordinates the offense and Tim McGarigle the defense.
Northwestern finished 7–6 in 2025 and is 3–1 through October 2, 2026. The remaining home slate includes Ball State, Rutgers, Iowa, Ohio State, and Illinois.
FAQ
NW history questions
When did the new Ryan Field open?
Northwestern opened it against Penn State on October 2, 2026, exactly 100 years after the original stadium's first game.
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