Amid a hectic football offseason, Zach traveled to Rutgers to watch Northwestern basketball try to dig its way out of an early Big Ten hole—and what he saw gave him very little hope of a quick fix. He breaks down the game from Nick Martinelli’s one-man show, to frustrating guard play to KJ Windham’s status and more. Then, Sports Illustrated’s Kevin Sweeney joins the show to have it out about what happened to this Northwestern team. From missed evaluations in the transfer portal, a lack of effort and defensive buy-in, along with a coaching staff that seems to be at a loss for answers, the pair tries to figure out what can be done—or if this year is already a wash for the Wildcats.

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Northwestern landed Chip Kelly to be its offensive coordinator. What?!? Zach welcomes ESPN senior college football writer Adam Rittenberg to learn more about how the shocking move came to be, as well as what role Kelly will play and the latest on the Wildcats’ search for a transfer portal quarterback. Zach then returns solo to dive deeper on his reaction to the hire, and what larger trend it might indicate for Northwestern’s lofty goals. He also discusses the other staff moves from the addition of QBs coach Jerry Neuheisel to the departure of defensive line coach Christian Smith, as well as what to make of the lack of a transfer portal presence thus far.

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Northwestern football is once again victorious in the postseason! The Wildcats cruised to victory over Central Michigan in the GameAbove Sports Bowl and Zach is back to share his biggest insights from the win. After bidding farewell to the seniors on the roster, he then discusses the rumored “offensive reset” that could be on the horizon. He also addresses what Northwestern might do at quarterback in 2026 and emphasizes the importance of retaining the top offensive talent still left in Evanston.

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It’s the most wonderful time of the year: bowl season! Zach is joined by Alex Scheer of the MAC Sports Connection to preview Northwestern’s opponent in the GameAbove Sports Bowl, Central Michigan. The pair talks about the surprise of the Chippewas this year in the MAC in the first season under new head coach Matt Drinkall and discuss the glaring similarities between the approaches of both programs. Then, they give their keys to the game and make their predictions for how the game will play out at Ford Field.

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We’re still two weeks away from Northwestern traveling to Detroit for its 2025 bowl game against Central Michigan, so it’s reflection time on the podcast—and we’re handing out grades. Zach is joined by Wildcat Report managing editor Matt Shelton to grade the performances of David Braun (5:05), Zach Lujan (15:26) and Preston Stone (23:55) as well as Caleb Komolafe, the offensive line and the receivers (35:28) and the defensive line, secondary, plus some honorable mentions (50:15). Finally, the pair gives their overall season grades for Northwestern football in 2025 (1:04:53) and briefly discusses national signing day (1:15:56).

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Just over a week ago, Northwestern field hockey won its third championship in five seasons, cementing itself as one of the premier programs in the sport. Head coach Tracey Fuchs joins Zach to talk about how the Wildcats got the job done during a thrilling Final Four, why this title was different and how she’s established a dynasty in Evanston. Then, star midfielder Maddie Zimmer reflects on her accomplished career in purple, breaks down some of her best plays of the NCAA tournament and shares what’s next.

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After a loss in the regular-season finale to Illinois, Zach reflects on what went wrong during rivalry week. He explains why this was a full-circle moment for the 2025 Northwestern season and how two of the Wildcats’ biggest woes this year combined to result in a frustrating outcome. Then, Zach reacts to Michigan State hiring former Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald, detailing the complicated nature of his feelings about Fitz and examining whether or not the Spartans made a smart choice.

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To celebrate Thanksgiving, Zach shares why he’s thankful for Northwestern returning to a bowl game after a thrilling victory over Minnesota. He lauds Preston Stone’s best game as a Wildcat, while highlighting some other standout performances on offense. Then, Mike Cagley of the Illini Guys joins the show to preview the rivalry game against Illinois. The pair breaks down the Illini’s season thus far, while discussing the state of competing in the Big Ten and makes their predictions for the game.

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Northwestern has another chance to become bowl eligible at Wrigley Field Saturday against Minnesota. Zach breaks down the Golden Gophers, from their stellar edge rushers to their lackluster offensive firepower. Then, he gives three keys to the game for the Wildcats and, of course, makes his final score prediction. Can Northwestern break the Wrigley Field curse?

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The fallout of Northwestern’s disappointing loss to Michigan at Wrigley Field continues to hover above the program going into this week’s matchup against Minnesota, so its time to have the conversation: does David Braun’s rhetoric of competing for a Big Ten championship align with his coaching decisions on the sideline? Noah Coffman joins Zach on the show to debate the head coach’s decision-making and more about the program’s standing within the conference. Then, they pivot to discuss Northwestern field hockey getting back to a fifth straight Final four, where No. 1 North Carolina awaits.

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