It’s finally time for Northwestern’s football season to begin. The Wildcats kick off 2025 by taking on the Tulane Green Wave, a favorite to make the College Football Playoff amongst the Group of Five Teams. And while Vegas has Northwestern as an underdog, the Inside NU staff begs to differ, with five of seven writers predicting the ‘Cats to pull off the upset. Nonetheless, here’s the full slate of picks for Northwestern’s season opener.
Charlie Jacobs: Northwestern 13, Tulane 24
Tulane is a 6-point home favorite for a reason. This team is one of the strongest contenders to make the College Football Playoff out of the Group of Five teams. Not only that, but the weather seems to be a huge factor that will be at play. Tulane still hasn’t named a quarterback yet, but I don’t think it really matters. Jon Sumrall is a great coach, and it’s hard to bet against a team in their home opener with favorable weather. I’d rather set low expectations and be pleasantly surprised versus setting too high a bar (like I did last season) and watch it fall short.
Miguel Muñoz: Northwestern 24, Tulane 20
Whether or not Northwestern wins this game, it’s hard not to get excited about college football being back. After a long wait, NU starts off its year with a bang, heading to New Orleans to face one of the top Group of Five teams this season in Tulane. Although the Green Wave are favored by a touchdown heading into Saturday, I’m picking the upset here. At the end of the day, I like the ‘Cats offensive side of the ball more than Tulane’s — especially following the transfer of Darian Mensah to Duke — and I believe head coach David Braun will come prepared for a brawl. Give me the ‘Cats in a game that will come down to the final possession.
Ascher Levin: Northwestern 24, Tulane 21
Northwestern faces a tough opening test against a Tulane team projected to contend for a CFP spot. I expect the Green Wave to start Jake Retzlaff, a talented transfer from BYU, and they boast a strong defensive line that could create problems up front. Combined with hot and humid conditions in New Orleans, the Wildcats will need to be disciplined and well-conditioned to stay sharp for four quarters. I expect Preston Stone to take command of the offense and lead the ‘Cats to a narrow victory that will set the tone for the season.
Harris Horowitz: Northwestern 20, Tulane 16
Tulane would be silly not to start Retzlaff on Saturday, and watching him quarterback the Green Wave promises to be a deeply unpleasant experience. His off-kilter arm angle has shades of Aaron Rodgers, and though his stride borders on heavy, the former BYU Cougar will have Wildcat speedsters Brayden Brus and Mac Uihlein chasing him all over New Orleans. That being said, I do like how the Northwestern defense matches up with Retzlaff’s offense. Cornerbacks Josh Fussell, Fred Davis II and Ore Adeyi have the on-paper advantage over Florida Atlantic transfer Omari Hayes and the portal-dependent Tulane pass-catching unit. Brus, Uihlein, Jack Sadowsky V and Yanni Karlaftis make up a linebacker core equipped to handle Retzlaff’s mobility. Anto Saka will do Anto Saka things.
If – and I mean an ‘if’ of the Justin Herbert variety – Northwestern’s young offensive linemen (I’m talking Deuce McQuire and Ezomo Oratokhai) can hold up against Tulane’s tsunami of a front four, I like the ‘Cats to start 1-0.
Calvin Kaplan: Northwestern 20, Tulane 23
If he starts, Retzlaff will be a problem for this NU secondary, which is deep but doesn’t have a ton of proven, top-end talent. At the same time, I expect Stone to keep the ‘Cats in it. Stone’s arm talent is the real deal, and the Wildcats will likely see some semblance of a passing game and a nice performance from Griffin Wilde as a result. That said, Tulane running back Maurice Turner is a threat to break out this year, and if he plays well, that’ll slow the game down tremendously. Given last year’s struggles, I don’t expect Northwestern’s RBs to perform super well (even in the potential rain), and I think that’s what will ultimately limit the ‘Cats to a close loss.
Matt Campbell: Northwestern 10, Tulane 3
Saturday will undoubtedly be won on the ground, and as great as a running team Tulane is, I don’t think they’ll outplay Northwestern this weekend. The trio of Mac Uihlein, Braydon Brus, and Yanni Karlaftis is an elite run-stuffing linebacker group, and I believe they’ll force the Green Wave into third-and-long passing situations. Retzlaff and Sullivan are going to struggle in the rain, and from there, NU will capitalize. I’m not buying the Group of Five hype this year, especially after seeing how Boise State crumbled on Thursday night with their new look offense. I won’t be surprised if Tulane follows suit.
Yanyan Li: Northwestern 17, Tulane 14
I’m with the majority here — I think Northwestern ekks out a win by a field goal. Playing on the road and the Louisiana heat are going to be disadvantages for the ‘Cats and I agree that probable starting quarterback Jake Retzlaff (as well as the entire Green Wave squad) is extremely formidable. However, knowing that this is one of the bigger toss-up games on NU’s schedule, I believe the team — specifically, Stone and Northwestern’s offensive line — will pull through with a narrow victory.
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