Big Ten Conference · 2026

Updated Aug 30, 2026

Northwestern schedule

The TailgateNinjas model projects Northwestern to finish 4-7 in 2026, the most likely of any record at 28%, averaging 4.5 wins across 11 rated games. Updated August 29, 2026.

Projected record

4-7

28% likely

Expected wins

4.5

11 rated games

Vegas win total

5.5

market

Model vs market

-1.0

we're lower

Every game

Win probability from our model. Non-FBS opponents aren't rated, so those games show no number.

How the season could end

The chance of each final record, from the per-game probabilities above. Records under 1% are hidden.

  • 4-728%
  • 5-627%
  • 3-817%
  • 6-516%
  • 2-96%
  • 7-45%

Hardest game

at Oregon

Week 9 · 5% to win

Easiest game

vs Ball State

Week 6 · 95% to win

Swing games

Closest to a coin flip — where the season actually gets decided.

Michigan State 50%Iowa 39%Minnesota 45%