Wildcats Roar as Big Ten Opener Brings FOX’s “Big Noon” to Evanston

Northwestern University hosted No. 4 Oregon in its Big Ten conference opener today at Martin Stadium, drawing a record-packed lakefront crowd for FOX’s “Big Noon Kickoff” and igniting Wildcat Welcome weekend.

In its first conference game as a host, NU rolled out purple “Fight for Victory” flags and welcomed students back to campus, emphasizing spirit and home-field advantage ahead of the nationally televised matchup.

“Big Noon” Arrives on Lakefront

FOX’s “Big Noon Kickoff” made its Evanston debut at 11 a.m. CT, featuring play-by-play by Gus Johnson and analysis by Joel Klatt. Thousands of fans lined the shores of Lake Michigan, waving flags and donning purple as part of the university’s promotional theme for the day. The special broadcast underscored NU’s increasing national profile in Big Ten football.

Wildcats Seek Upset Against Defending Champs

Northwestern (1-1) aimed to build on its 42-7 home opener win over Western Illinois, featuring a balanced offense that amassed 526 total yards-the program’s best since 2022. Coach David Braun lauded quarterback Preston Stone’s bounce-back performance and the defense’s stingy effort, which limited the Leathernecks to 181 yards, a season low for NU’s defense under coordinator Tim McGarigle.

Student Spirit Fuels Home Opener

Wildcat Welcome weekend provided a festive atmosphere as new and returning students joined long-time fans in a unified display of school pride. Purple “Fight for Victory” flags-distributed to early arrivals-flew across Martin Stadium, amplifying the home-field advantage that coach Braun said will be “incredible” despite a smaller venue than most Big Ten sites.

Looking Ahead

As Northwestern seeks to defend its home turf, attention now turns to how the Wildcats will adjust to Oregon’s high-powered attack under first-year head coach Dan Lanning. With conference play underway and national exposure secured, NU’s performance today will set the tone for its Big Ten campaign.