2026 Season Prediction Thread
- Thread starter NU'06er
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Seven wins. 4 in B1G. Offense really takes off, Chiles in top half of B1G in total offense.
I thought that the Cats were very competitive last year after the first 3 games. I think Chiles brings physical talent the Cats have lacked for a long time, and the TE transfers add versatlity. I think offense generates 3 points per game more in red zone and one more long drive per game. While defensive line has some question marks, I think over all defense will be comparable to last year. Overall, NU’s average margin is about 5 points better.
The schedule is tough, but compared to last year, not overwhelmingly so.
Out of conference: 2025 Tulane, Western, LA Monroe, 2026 SDSU, Colorado, Ball State. Last year 2-1. This year, a little easier.
Top tier conference games: 2025 Oregon, Michigan, USC v 2026 Indiana, Oregon, OSU. Last year 0-3 with a near miss against Michigan. Can’t do worse.
Middle tier conference: 2025 PSU, Nebraska, Illinois, Minnesota. This year PSU, Illinois, Minnesota, Iowa. Last year 2-2 with OT loss to Illini and last possession loss to Nebraska. This year, a little tougher, but the Cats left a lot on the table last year.
Third tier conference: 2025 Purdue, UCLA. This year, MSU, Rutgers. Last year 2-0. This year, a little tougher.
I think Cats have a chance to upset a top tier team and do one game better against middle tier and/or out of conference teams.
Overall I am unreasonably optimistic and think the regular season ends 8-4.
The schedule is tough, but compared to last year, not overwhelmingly so.
Out of conference: 2025 Tulane, Western, LA Monroe, 2026 SDSU, Colorado, Ball State. Last year 2-1. This year, a little easier.
Top tier conference games: 2025 Oregon, Michigan, USC v 2026 Indiana, Oregon, OSU. Last year 0-3 with a near miss against Michigan. Can’t do worse.
Middle tier conference: 2025 PSU, Nebraska, Illinois, Minnesota. This year PSU, Illinois, Minnesota, Iowa. Last year 2-2 with OT loss to Illini and last possession loss to Nebraska. This year, a little tougher, but the Cats left a lot on the table last year.
Third tier conference: 2025 Purdue, UCLA. This year, MSU, Rutgers. Last year 2-0. This year, a little tougher.
I think Cats have a chance to upset a top tier team and do one game better against middle tier and/or out of conference teams.
Overall I am unreasonably optimistic and think the regular season ends 8-4.
I voted 11+ wins.
this team is hungry, feisty, and tired of not having a home field advantage
lots of NIL talent, great coaching… and Fight
go Cats Go!
this team is hungry, feisty, and tired of not having a home field advantage
lots of NIL talent, great coaching… and Fight
go Cats Go!
Bold prediction for me is Himon gets at least 600 yards rushing.
Lots of focus on Komo (deservedly) as the main guy, as well as intrigue over Sawchuk's transfer and incorporation into the offense. I think people forget how good Himon is too, and I think he'll be significantly productive as well despite splitting time.
Lots of focus on Komo (deservedly) as the main guy, as well as intrigue over Sawchuk's transfer and incorporation into the offense. I think people forget how good Himon is too, and I think he'll be significantly productive as well despite splitting time.
Why not us?
No respect. Earn it. Grind. Put in the work and trust your brothers and the wins will come.
GO CATS!!!
No respect. Earn it. Grind. Put in the work and trust your brothers and the wins will come.
GO CATS!!!
That is an intriguing prediction. Himon will be the change of pace man to both Komo and Sawchuk so if Chips play calling is geared for him to get some calls he could have some success. I see him getting more receptions this year. Am I right in thinking that Himon is the fastest RB in the room?
Sure seems that way to me every time I've seen him on the field, but I don't actually know for sure...
7. It could happen!
Everybody's guessing.
NU has had strong O's now and then - JJTBC tearing off 5ypc - along the way and I'm hoping we have one this year. Got the coaches for it.
Only 5 of 34 nonbelievers (under 6) so far.
Everybody's guessing.
NU has had strong O's now and then - JJTBC tearing off 5ypc - along the way and I'm hoping we have one this year. Got the coaches for it.
Only 5 of 34 nonbelievers (under 6) so far.
I honestly believe 5 is more likely than 7 if forced to choose between those two options, but I'm keeping the faith we can get across the line to bowl eligibility, and voted 6.
I see 9 winnable games on the schedule. Chip's team of coaches will make the O noticeably improved. The defense should be solid. NU will certainly get 6 wins.
There are 12 winnable games on the schedule - 13 if you count the bowl game. We have to run thru the tape.
I think NU is underrated and O$U is overrated just like the 2000-2004 era under Walker and Coach Tressel, respectively.
Upset Special baby?!?
O-H… N-O!!!
I clicked 7 also because I’m slightly optimistic. I do think we will be good this year, but with the schedule 6-6 is probably slightly more realistic / likely than 7-5. Best way to start is beat SDSU. Go Cats!
Excellent breakdown, Eastbay. Not sure I'm quite as optimistic as you are, but here's hoping you're right.
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