B1G Media Days Focus on the Northwestern Wildcats

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The Northwestern Wildcats were perhaps the biggest surprise in the Big Ten Conference in 2023. Coming off a tumultuous offseason that saw former head coach Pat Fitzgerald fired, not much was expected out of the boys from Evanston, Ill.

Questions about culture and player buy-in were the primary talking points of last year's B1G Media Days.

The Wildcats responded to immense challenges and answered those questions by posting an 8-5 record. That was capped with a Las Vegas Bowl win over the Utah Utes. After being brought in from North Dakota State to be Northwestern's defensive coordinator, David Braun was named interim head coach in July 2023. By last November, he was named B1G Coach of the Year after turning around a squad that won just one game in 2022.

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Stadium Renovations for Northwestern

Ryan Field, the home stadium of the Wildcats for the past 97 years, was fully demolished in April 2024. Northwestern plans on opening their new stadium in time for the 2026 season. For now, home games will take place on a picturesque lakefront temporary field on campus. The Wildcats will also play 2 games at Wrigley Field in Chicago against Ohio State on Nov. 16 and against Illinois on Nov. 30.

Media Day Talking Points

Braun was joined in Indianapolis by wide receiver AJ Henning, linebacker Xander Mueller and running back Cam Porter.

Braun spoke about being proud of what Northwestern accomplished in 2023. But he's looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead in 2024. Braun emphasized the need to find out who the leaders are on this year's team. "Can we find the same level of leadership within our team?" he said.

Braun was grateful to be able to go through a full offseason. He added his own staff members while also focusing heavily on recruiting and roster building/retention. On building a program in his mold, Braun stated, "It's not a David Braun program, it's our players' program."

Henning transferred to the Wildcats after the 2022 season, when he was with the Michigan Wolverines. He combined for 470 yards rushing and receiving to go along with 5 TDs for Northwestern in 2023. Henning has big-play ability as evidenced by his late game-tying TD catch against Minnesota last season.

Braun called Henning an explosive playmaker any time he has the ball in his hands, whether on offense or on special teams as a return man.

Mueller is a fifth-year senior and 2-year starter at LB for Northwestern. Last season, he totaled over 100 tackles, including 10.5 TFL and 5 sacks. Mueller also added 3 interceptions and had 5 pass deflections. More importantly, he was the Wildcats' physical and emotional leader on defense.

Braun recruited Mueller while he was defensive coordinator at North Dakota State. Braun believes that his growth over the last year and a half will lead to a breakout season. He regards him as one of the best linebackers in the B1G.

Porter, hailing from Cincinnati, Ohio, is another fifth-year player. He is a stout, physical runner at 5-foot-10 and 220 pounds. After leading Northwestern in rushing in the shortened 2020 season, Porter missed all of 2021 after suffering a lower body injury in fall camp. He ran for 651 yards and 4 TDs last season to go along with 121 yards receiving. Along with a hybrid rusher/pass catcher in Henning, the Wildcats could have a well-balanced and effective rushing attack in 2024.

Braun was glowing in his remarks about Porter, Northwestern's returning team captain. He called him "one of the most impressive young men I've ever been around in my entire life."

Northwestern opens its season at Lanny and Sharon Martin Lakeside Facility with the Miami (Ohio) RedHawks on August 31 on the Big Ten Network. Their first B1G conference matchup will be on the road in Husky Stadium against B1G newcomer Washington on Sept. 21.

Stay tuned to College Football Dawgs all week for B1G Media Days coverage.