Projected Big Ten football standings for the 2024 season

18. Northwestern Wildcats 1-11 (0-9 Big Ten)

And we finally get to the bottom of the Big Ten. The Northwestern Wildcats aren’t a good team, and they only got worse over the offseason.

• Biggest Wins: None

For the season, I have Northwestern going 1-11 overall and 0-9 in the Big Ten. This could be a horrific season for the team up north.

I don’t have a big win on the docket for the Wildcats. The lone win is against Eastern Illinois, and I can’t mark down an FCS team as a good win. Therefore, Northwestern has no big wins in 2024.

• Biggest Losses: Miami (OH), Indiana, @ Maryland

There are a few games that could make or break the Northwestern season. The first game of the season is against Miami (OH).

A game against the RedHawks should be a win, but I don’t believe it will be for the Wildcats. Brett Gabbert, brother of former NFL player Blaine Gabbert, is back for another season with Miami (OH). He is poised to have a good year, so I think this is a loss for Northwestern.

The other teams Northwestern has the best chance of beating are Indiana and Maryland. The Hoosiers should be better than normal, so that is a loss. The Maryland game is on the road, and road Big Ten games are tough. That is another loss.

• Biggest Threats: Eastern Illinois

I gave Northwestern one win against the FCS team on the schedule. That might be generous, though. Eastern Illinois isn’t a bad team. They can play well.

Northwestern should still beat the Panthers but look for this game to be close. If the Wildcats do fall to Eastern Illinois, it could be a rough season.