The Northwestern Wildcats already know most of their future opponents, thanks to the Big Ten releasing conference matchups years in advance. Think of this as your Northwestern future football schedule tracker: confirmed opponents by season, home and away breakdowns, and a free printable for 2027. It updates as dates, kickoff times, and non-conference games are announced.
Northwestern Future Schedule: Quick Facts
- Northwestern plays nine Big Ten games per season, with three non-conference games.
- Protected annual rivals: Illinois.
- Northwestern keeps its rivalry with Illinois and hosts Ohio State in 2027.
- Most 2027 dates and kickoff times are still TBA.
Northwestern Wildcats Future Opponents and Schedules
Below is Northwestern’s season-by-season outlook. The 2026 slate is set and has its own full schedule page; 2027 and 2028 show the Big Ten opponents confirmed so far, with non-conference games and exact dates filling in over time.
2026 Northwestern Opponents & Schedule
Northwestern’s 2026 schedule is complete. For the full week-by-week slate, dates, and a printable, see our 2026 Northwestern Wildcats football schedule.
2027 Northwestern Opponents & Schedule
Northwestern hosts Maryland, Michigan State, Nebraska, Ohio State and Washington in Big Ten play, and travels to Illinois, Rutgers, UCLA and Wisconsin. Northwestern’s three non-conference games for 2027 have not been announced yet and will be added here as they are scheduled.
| Opponent | Site | Date |
|---|---|---|
 vs Maryland |
Home | TBD |
 vs Michigan State |
Home | TBD |
 vs Nebraska |
Home | TBD |
 vs Ohio State |
Home | TBD |
 vs Washington |
Home | TBD |
 at Illinois |
Away | TBD |
 at Rutgers |
Away | TBD |
 at UCLA |
Away | TBD |
 at Wisconsin |
Away | TBD |
Download the Printable 2027 Northwestern Schedule
Opens in a new tab. Last updated Sept. 3, 2026.
2028 Northwestern Opponents & Schedule
Northwestern’s 2028 Big Ten opponents are set. The Wildcats host Illinois, Indiana, USC and Wisconsin, and travel to Maryland, Michigan, Nebraska, Purdue and Washington. Non-conference games and exact dates are still to be announced.
Beyond 2028
The Big Ten has confirmed conference opponents through the 2028 season. As the league releases Northwestern’s 2029 matchups and beyond, they will be added to this page.
How Northwestern’s Future Football Schedule Comes Together
Each season Northwestern plays a nine-game Big Ten slate the conference assigns, plus three non-conference games the school books on its own, often years ahead. Under the Big Ten’s scheduling model, Northwestern’s protected annual rivals (Illinois) recur every year while the rest of the schedule rotates, which means the Wildcats see the whole league on a regular cycle.
As the Big Ten finalizes dates and Northwestern fills its remaining non-conference slots, this Northwestern future football schedule page updates so you always have the current opponent list and printable in one place.
Northwestern Future Football Schedule FAQ
Who does Northwestern play every year?
Northwestern’s protected annual rivals are Illinois. The rest of the nine-game conference slate rotates year to year.
Who does Northwestern play in 2027?
In Big Ten play, Northwestern hosts Maryland, Michigan State, Nebraska, Ohio State and Washington and visits Illinois, Rutgers, UCLA and Wisconsin. Northwestern’s three non-conference games for 2027 have not been announced yet and will be added here as they are scheduled.
Is there a printable Northwestern 2027 schedule?
Yes. This page includes a free printable 2027 Northwestern schedule with the confirmed opponents and home/away breakdown. Dates and kickoff times are added as they are announced.
Where can I find Northwestern’s current schedule?
See the 2026 Northwestern Wildcats football schedule for the current season.
Past Northwestern Schedules
Looking for past Northwestern results and printables? Browse the 2026 Northwestern schedule. For every other team’s future opponents by year, visit our Future College Football Schedules hub.
