2026 Season Prediction Thread

[NU'06er]

Countdown to kickoff begins...

How many games are the 'Cats winning this year?

Vote on that and leave your bold predictions for individual player performances in this thread.

 

[phatcat_rivals223240]

Seven wins. 4 in B1G. Offense really takes off, Chiles in top half of B1G in total offense.

 

[eastbaycat99]

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.

 

[CatManTrue]

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!

 

[DaCat]

We will get to at least 8 wins.