After a surprising 8-5 campaign in 2023 following Pat Fitzgerald’s ousting, Northwestern was projected as a middle of the pack team in the Big Ten in 2024. The Wildcats struggled in 2024, finishing 16th in the conference with only two wins in conference play. Northwestern failed to make a bowl game for the third time in four years.
After going 2-1 in the non-conference slate, Northwestern started 1-4 in Big Ten play, with its only win coming against Maryland at home. Following a win over Purdue, the Wildcats lost their remaining three conference games against Ohio State, Michigan, and Illinois.