Northwestern returns a lot of talent from last year, including its best player on both offense and defense, its quarterback and perhaps its best cornerback. But the team also loses a lot of key players. In fact, per Phil Steele, by combining Northwestern's six returning offensive starters and five returning defensive starters to get 11 returners puts Northwestern at tied for 98th in returning starters (out of 128 Division I teams). Out of the 14 Big Ten teams, Northwestern comes in 12th in the category. It's interesting to note that fellow Big Ten team and 2016 opponent Ohio State comes in dead last with just six returners: three on offense and three on defense.
Five true freshmen who could contribute this year
