Bleav in Northwestern

ESPN senior college football writer Adam Rittenberg joins the show to dissect Northwestern’s 34–18 win over FCS powerhouse South Dakota State. He and Zach react to Aidan Chiles’s debut and the offense looking more explosive, even with an offensive line that still needs some work. They also discuss the defense’s typical bend-don’t-break performance and where the unit can improve. After a brief look ahead to the Colorado game in Week 3, the two whip around the Big Ten to discuss the results that they were most impressed with and surprised them the most. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ahead of Northwestern’s season opener against South Dakota State, Zach is joined by Sports Illustrated’s Kevin Sweeney to make a handful of predictions for the Wildcats season. The pair talks about their excitement for the new stadium, as well as the units on the team that they feel particularly excited to see out on the field. They also discuss potential pressure points and areas of weakness before making their predictions for Northwestern’s final record. Finally, they briefly discuss teams they like in the Big Ten and what their national championship predictions are. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It’s time to take a closer look at Northwestern’s new quarterback and Zach welcomes on Michigan State beat writer Jacob Cotsonika to help him do so. The two break down Chiles’s best traits as a player, as well as some of his head-scratching decision-making. However, Jacob provides context for why Chiles struggled at times in East Lansing and how the young quarterback handled himself throughout a difficult 2025. Plus, how Pat Fitzgerald is endearing himself to Michigan State fans and Zach’s thoughts on the $35 million gift from the Uihlein family. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Wildcat Report’s Matt Shelton joins Zach to dive deep into Northwestern football’s showing at 2026 Big Ten Media Days. The pair discusses David Braun’s confidence and refreshing honesty going into Year 4, as well as the surging optimism surrounding Chip Kelly’s arrival in Evanston. They also address the Pat Fitzgerald–sized elephant in Chicago, in addition to early chatter around the revamped defensive line. Finally, the duo gives their thoughts on the first glimpses at a mostly completed Ryan Field. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The nine-time national champion head coach of the Northwestern lacrosse team joins Zach to talk about how the 2026 Wildcats turned their season around after a slow start, what having the Final Four in Evanston meant to her and the program, her best Madison Taylor stories and what her next goal is for growing the sport. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Kelly Amonte Hiller is a champion once again! Northwestern’s legendary women’s lacrosse coach won a historic ninth title over the weekend in a revenge game against North Carolina. Zach is joined by Yanyan Li to break down how the Wildcats pulled this off after a horrible start to the season, the officiating controversy coming out of the game and what the victory means for the legacies of Hiller and Madison Taylor. Plus, more on the incredible scene in Evanston and the state of the sport in 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Northwestern lacrosse survived a thrilling rematch against Colorado in the NCAA quarterfinals to advance to the Final Four, which will be played in Evanston. Zach breaks down the win and highlights the program’s resiliency under Kelly Amonte Hiller. Then, he comments on softball narrowly missing out on the NCAA tournament and why he feels realignment played a part in the outcome. Finally, Zach discusses Northwestern’s new president, as well as the son of Ohio State coach Ryan Day committing to play for the Wildcats. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Wildcats have added five players in the transfer portal and Zach is joined by Sports Illustrated college basketball writer Kevin Sweeney to break down the new faces. Plus, the two evaluate the state of the program and what the turnover means going forward, as well as how Northwestern stacks up from a resource-standpoint in the college sports arms race. They also discuss what the new age-based eligibility proposals could mean for the sport and much more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Pat Fitzgerald spoke with USA Today for a rollercoaster of an article, and Zach weighs in on what the former Northwestern coach said. And speaking of rollercoasters, Kelly Amonte Hiller’s lacrosse team is on fire. With two wins over two No. 1-ranked teams in a matter of two weeks, Zach is joined by Big Ten+ broadcaster Noah Coffman to go inside the Wildcats’ turnaround—and why this year could be boom or bust for this program. Finally, Zach and Noah check in on other spring sports as well as women’s basketball with the transfer portal heating up. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

After a brief hiatus for the show, Zach is back to talk about the mass exodus into the transfer portal from Northwestern men’s basketball. He shares his conflicted feelings on the moves and whether or not they indicate something more concerning is at play. Plus, he reacts to Northwestern women’s hoops hiring Princeton’s Carla Berube as head coach and why he think its a home run. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Nick Martinelli suited up as a Northwestern Wildcat for the final time at Welsh-Ryan Arena in Wednesday’s loss to Purdue and delivered yet another signature performance on his home floor. So Zach calls in Northwestern Roundtable’s Gavin Dorsey to discuss the legacy of the star forward, given the lack of success the past two years but the undeniably impressive individual play. Plus, they discuss Northwestern’s recent win streak and general competitiveness—and if it can lead to the ‘Cats making any sort of noise in the Big Ten tournament. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Spring sports are already underway and one of the best programs in Evanston is back in action! Lacrosse has two games in the book—one a blowout of powerhouse Boston College, the other a stunning defeat at the hands of unranked Colorado—so Inside NU editor-in-chief Yanyan Li joins Zach to break down the results. The pair talk about the drastically different performances around Madison Taylor in the two games, as well as what they like about how Kelly Amonte Hiller has reloaded the roster. Plus, they highlight some of the key names and figures to keep an eye one as Northwestern attempts to get back to the Final Four, which will take place at Martin Stadium later this spring. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Well, that happened. Northwestern lost to Illinois by 40 points and Zach tracks his thoughts throughout the game and why it looked like both teams were playing different sports. He provides the numbers and signs that showed just how bad this loss was, along with his reaction to Chris Collins’s telling postgame comments. Finally, he projects where Northwestern goes from here this season and beyond—and wonders whether or not fans have seen the worst of the worst yet. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Northwestern football received its 2026 schedule early this week, and Zach is joined by Gavin Dorsey of Northwestern Roundtable to dissect the Wildcats’ slate for next season. The pair discusses how difficult the path forward is, as one of the most difficult in the conference and country. They also lament the early bye week, and hypothesize if delays in the building of the new Ryan Field resulted in the curious structure of the schedule. Then, the two go over the most recent portal additions and discuss where they think the Wildcats succeeded in offseason talent acquisition and where they may have come up short. Plus, a little bonus basketball talk as Northwestern continues to lean into its youth movement. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Northwestern football had a busy two weeks in the transfer portal, adding 12 new players—including a new top quarterback in former Michigan State signal-caller Aidan Chiles. Wildcat Report’s Matt Shelton joins Zach to break down Chiles’s career thus far and project what he might be able to showcase in Chip Kelly’s offense. Then, the pair talks about some of the other moves Northwestern made, highlighting some of the key new faces, as well as some of the most significant departures. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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). Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Northwestern nearly stole a win against Michigan thanks to five turnovers and some timely scores late, but the Wrigley Field curse continues. Zach breaks down the loss and why it felt so aggravating, from the horrible production in the red zone to an inability to capitalize off of the Wolverines’ mistakes. Plus, he gives his thoughts on why this game exemplifies how Northwestern can continue to compete with the Big Ten’s top teams and his reaction to David Braun’s fiery press conference. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Northwestern is set to play some Friday night lights football at the L.A. Coliseum against USC and Zach is joined by Sports Illustrated writer and editor Nick Selbe to preview the matchup. The two discuss how they feel about this being a conference game before diving into the Trojans, who nearly had their season completely derailed with a scare at Nebraska. They dive deep on the performance of quarterback Jayden Maiava this season and whether or not he’s capable of being the next program great, while also highlighting the star-studded cast of skill players around him. Finally, they emphasize the biggest weakness of USC’s defense before making picks and predictions. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Though there’s still plenty of action left on the gridiron, Zach turns his focus to the hardwood of Welsh-Ryan Arena with Northwestern men’s basketball set to get underway. He begins by giving an overview of the Wildcats going into what may seem like a transition year, yet is anything but (2:10). Then, Sports Illustrated college basketball reporter Kevin Sweeney joins the show to break down what we’ve seen from the program’s two exhibitions as well as some of the key additions for Chris Collins, like Jayden Reid, Arrinten Page and Tre Singleton (16:34). Finally, the pair discusses Northwestern’s place on the bubble and in the pecking order of the Big Ten. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It’s mailbag week! You’ve got questions, the Bleav in Northwestern podcast has answers. To help go through the questions, Zach is joined by Wildcat Report’s Matt Shelton and the pair covers a number of topics in football and men’s basketball. Was Nebraska the most disappointing loss of David Braun’s tenure? Is Preston Stone not what we all thought he was? Will Northwestern still make a bowl game? What will Chris Collins’s lineup be on opening night? Who’s the x-factor for basketball this season? Zach and Matt cover all of these questions and more on this week’s episode. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Northwestern improved to a shocking 5–2 by dominating Purdue in the final game at the lakeside stadium this past weekend, setting up a showdown with Nebraska in Lincoln. Zach begins by lauding the defense for its effort in the shutout of the Boilermakers, particularly pointing to the defensive line’s dominance (1:44). He then explains why this was Preston Stone’s worst game since Oregon, but why the offense has been able to maintain some momentum during this four-game win streak. Next, he touches on the end of an era for Northwestern’s temporary stadium (21:11) before breaking down what he’s seen from a vulnerable Nebraska team. Finally, he makes his predictions and pick for this Saturday’s showdown. X: @ZachKoons Instagram: zach_koons Email: [email protected] Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Anything is possible! Northwestern went on the road and downed a reeling Penn State team with a complete team performance on Saturday for one of the program’s most shocking wins of the past decade. Zach breaks down the game, lauding Preston Stone for his best game as a Wildcat and Zach Lujan for his masterful game plan (1:15). He then emphasizes NU’s resiliency and how David Braun rallied his guys after an up-and-down start to the season (9:48). Finally, he goes over the defense’s complete team effort and the one area of improvement for the ‘Cats (17:38) before contextualizing what this win means for the program and for the future of Braun and the coaching staff (25:43). Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Northwestern dominated its homecoming opponent, Louisiana-Monroe, last weekend and Zach was boots on the ground to witness another stride forward the Wildcats. Andrew Bowen and Henry Ettinger, former WNUR Sports broadcasters who were at the game alongside Zach, join the show to discuss their thoughts on the penultimate game at the lakeside stadium (2:15) before emphasizing what they liked about the offense’s showing and the playcalling on Saturday (6:28). They debate whether or not they should be concerned about the defense after the Warhawks’ opening drive and second-half comeback attempt from UCLA, before diving in on Penn State (17:51). The trio breaks down what’s happening with the Nittany Lions and makes picks for Northwestern’s trip to Happy Valley (23:15). Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Northwestern escaped a second-half scare against UCLA to nab its second win of the season and first against an FBS opponent. Zach breaks down what he liked about the Wildcats, starting with the offense’s ball control and Caleb Komolafe’s career day (1:30). He then pivots to discuss what allowed the Bruins to climb back into the game, laying the blame on the coaches for their confounding approach to putting the game away (16:57). He then defends the defense from criticism, takes a look at Anto Saka’s production and makes a score prediction for Northwestern’s homecoming game against Louisiana Monroe (28:52). Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Coming out of the bye week, Northwestern is back at home against UCLA—a program navigating significant upheaval and off to an even worse start than the Wildcats. USA Today reporter and Bleav in UCLA Football podcast host James H. Williams joins Zach on the show to break down the Bruins, beginning with the recent firing of head coach Deshaun Foster and why the program has struggled to adjust to the start of a new era in the Big Ten (2:35). The two then discuss UCLA’s on-field product in 2025, starting with the underwhelming play of highly touted transfer QB Nico Iamaleava, the lack of support around him and an inconsistent defense (22:54). Zach then helps provide context for Northwestern’s 1–2 start, focusing on the mistake-ridden football of Preston Stone and the lack of early production for a well-regarded defensive line (44:49). Finally, the pair makes their predictions for the final score (1:02:30). Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The first quarter of the 2025 season is in the books and Northwestern finds itself at 1–2 going into the bye with two major losses against College Football Playoff hopefuls Tulane and Oregon. Wildcat Report’s Matt Shelton joins Zach on the show to discuss whether it’s time to panic about the Wildcats and what fans can reasonably expect over the final nine games. The pair focuses in on the biggest issues, from wide receiver depth to Preston Stone’s costly mistakes, and determines whether or not Northwestern has met expectations, while dissecting just how hard it is to assess the season given the lopsided nature of all three games. Finally, they evaluate Zach Lujan’s performance to start his second campaign as OC and point to some of the positives that could help rally the program in the coming weeks. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Northwestern flipped the script from an unsavory opener to dominate Western Illinois back at home in Evanston in Week 2. But unfortunately, the Wildcats lost Cam Porter for the season with an injury in the win and Adam Beck of WNUR Sports joins Zach to discuss the impact of the news (2:23). Then, they turn to the good news, discussing what they liked about Preston Stone’s rebound from the Tulane debacle and how there are still positives to be taken, even in a game against an FCS team (11:24). Finally, the pair looks ahead to the difficult task at hand against Oregon, breaking down what the Ducks have done this season with Dante Moore behind center and what about the CFP contender worries them most (24:09). Plus, they make picks and predictions for Saturday’s game. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Northwestern got off to a horrid start to the 2025 football season on Saturday, losing 23–3 on the road to Tulane. Zach breaks down what went wrong, beginning with Preston Stone’s five-turnover day in his first start as a Wildcat (2:10). He also goes over the expected struggles from the pass-catchers and the unexpected ones of the defense (16:33). Finally, he addresses the uniform drama that emerged postgame and discusses whether Northwestern fans should expect more of the same in the coming months (27:20). Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Let’s play some football. Northwestern goes on the road to face Tulane in the 2025 season opener and Zach is joined by Green Wave sideline reporter Maddy Hudak to talk about the Week 1 matchup. The pair begins by taking a look back at Tulane’s 2024 season before breaking down the Green Wave’s ongoing quarterback competition (2:08). Then, they discuss how Tulane reloaded in the transfer portal in other areas on offense while also adding eye-popping depth along the defensive line (11:54). Finally, Zach and Maddy name their keys to the game for each team and make their final score predictions (25:15). Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

College football has arrived! Northwestern is set to play Tulane to kick off the 2025 season, so it’s time to make some predictions. Gavin Dorsey, lead writer for Northwestern Wildcats on SI, joins Zach on the show to make a number of projections about the upcoming year, beginning with how much pressure head coach David Braun and offensive coordinator Zach Lujan should feel coming into Week 1 (2:45). Then, they pivot to talking about the roster, naming their MVPs and x-factors on both offense and defense, while touching on what units might give the ‘Cats problems this season (25:38). Finally, the pair makes definitive predictions for Northwestern’s final record and delves into the pecking order of the Big Ten at large before picking conference champions (54:57). Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Zach opens up the mailbag for a series of questions about Northwestern football’s outlook during the 2025 season, from the hope Preston Stone brings to the offense to the biggest pain point for the roster. He also projects which men’s basketball player will take the biggest leap and gives a rundown of how a trio of ex-Wildcats did in NBA Summer League. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Northwestern took center stage at Big Ten media days in Las Vegas on Wednesday and head coach David Braun named SMU transfer Preston Stone the starting quarterback, well ahead of Week 1. Wildcat Report’s Matt Shelton, who was on hand in Vegas, joins Zach on the show to give insight into how the decision came to be and why Braun felt compelled to announce this so early (4:15). The two also discuss other story lines from media days, including how Northwestern views it group of skill players (15:20), how Braun has settled into his front-facing role as head coach (18:09) and what the program shared about its approach to the start of revenue-sharing in college sports (22:20). Finally, Matt gives the latest on Northwestern’s stadium ventures, headlined by the construction of the new Ryan Field (37:35). Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The summer may be just getting started but the Northwestern sports news cycle is still spinning. Zach begins by celebrating Brooks Barnhizer being the first Wildcat since 1999 to be selected in the NBA draft, talking about the achievement for both player and program and how Barnhizer might carve out a role with the defending NBA champs (2:59). He then talks about the sudden transfer addition of Gavin Frakes and how the move might shake up the quarterback room (15:35). Finally, he analyzes the recent pickups for the women's lacrosse team as Kelly Amonte Hiller pulled off one of the most impressive transfer hauls in the sport's history (27:18). Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

From buzzer beaters to NCAA records to national championships, Zach and Northwestern Wildcats On SI lead writer Gavin Dorsey debate the five best moments of the year in Northwestern sports. Contact info—Twitter/X: @ZachKoons, Email: [email protected] Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

For the fifth straight year, Northwestern lacrosse is headed back to the Final Four after getting past Michigan and Penn in the team's opening NCAA tournament matchups. Broadcaster Noah Coffman joins Zach on the show to discuss Madison Taylor breaking the single-season goals record and what went well in the second-round game against Michigan (3:40). Then, they pivot to talking about the third-quarter struggles for the 'Cats against Penn and why such a lapse will come back to bite the team against Boston College (15:01). Next, the pair previews the Final Four matchups against the defending champion Eagles and how Northwestern will try to limit BC's star attack trio, led by player of the year candidate Rachel Clark (27:59). Finally, they talk about NU softball scratching its way into the NCAA tournament and what the 'Cats chances might be in the Clemson regional (44:49). Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We're back! Northwestern women's lacrosse is set to begin play in the NCAA tournament and Noah Coffman joins Zach to talk about this year's team. They begin by talking about how head coach Kelly Amonte Hiller was able to rebuild the roster after the departure of Izzy Scane and others (2:08). Then, they discuss the leap Madison Taylor has taken to put together one of the best statistical seasons in Wildcats' history (12:44). The pair continues by going over who else will need to step up outside of Taylor (18:40) before analyzing the perception and performance of transfer goalkeeper Delaney Sweitzer (21:11). Finally, they dissect the immediate path ahead for Northwestern, focusing on potential Big Ten rematches against Michigan and Maryland (28:14). Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

With the news that Chris Collins is close to reaching a deal on an extension to stay at Northwestern, Zach is joined by Gavin Dorsey of Northwestern Wildcats On SI to discuss the rumors surrounding the men's basketball head coach. The pair give their thoughts on the legitimacy of the idea that Collins would have left NU after this year (4:21) before dissecting how important a commitment to NIL resources and enrollment procedure may have been in the head coach's extension (11:25). They then pivot to talk about how the 'Cats should approaching the transfer portal this offseason (19:35), going over some of the reported options and how they might fit on the roster. Finally, they dissect which players need to take a leap for Northwestern to be successful (35:55) and debate if Collins needs to take a different approach with his rotations early in the season (42:51). Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Northwestern's heroic comeback attempt at home against UCLA came up just short as a major missed call in the closing seconds didn't go the 'Cats way... again. Wildcat Report's Matt Shelton joins the show to talk about the grit of the senior class, particularly Ty Berry and Matt Nicholson, even with UCLA amassing a double-digit advantage (1:45). Then, they dive into the the end-of-game sequence that capped NU's 13–0 run, including the no-call on Nick Martinelli, KJ Windham's flagrant foul and the general officiating woes that have largely gone against the Wildcats this season (17:55). Finally, they talk briefly about their hopes and expectations for Northwestern should the 'Cats make the Big Ten tournament (30:57). Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

After wins by Northwestern men's basketball and Northwestern lacrosse on Tuesday, Zach welcomes on Noah Coffman for a closer look at both programs. They begin by talking about the resilient basketball team, going over the recent two-game win streak on the road and the job Chris Collins has done in keeping the team engaged and playing hard (:52). The pair also goes over the improvement from players like KJ Windham in recent weeks and the importance of development for the younger players on the roster (7:55). Next, they discuss the chances of Northwestern making the Big Ten tournament with three games remaining (18:10) before going over Nick Martinelli's career game against Minnesota and his case to make the All-Big Ten first team this season (22:05). Zach and Noah then pivot to discuss Northwestern lacrosse's win over Syracuse and how that differed from the team's early-season loss to Boston College (34:26). They go over the strides Madison Taylor has taken as a leader (40:49) and end by breaking down the 'Cats return to form on defense (45:15). Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

After two losses out on the West Coast, Northwestern basketball's hopes of an NCAA tournament have essentially been dashed and Zach returns to lay out how it all went wrong this season. He begins by talking about the Jalen Leach season-ending injury and it’s impact on the game against Washington (2:28). He also explains his frustration with Chris Collins getting ejected based on the situation the young and inexperienced team found itself in (8:44). Next, he talks about the familiar slow start against Oregon and what Northwestern should prioritize and aim for in the final six games of the season (13:28). Finally, he spends his time breaking down every instance of misfortunate and bad luck that the Wildcats have had thrown their way during the 2024–25 season, resulting in the severely disappointing year (21:36). Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Chris Collins announced that Brooks Barnhizer will not play for the remainder of the 2024–25 season after missing Saturday's game against Wisconsin and Zach reflects on the jarring news. He begins by discussing how the injury was revealed and how it wasn't entirely surprising, but it was abrupt (3:35). Then, he does his best to sum up the impact that Barnhizer made on Northwestern basketball during his four years in Evanston (9:25). Next, he pivots to discussing how the Wildcats fought against the Badgers on Saturday, but how a halftime adjustment and five-minute sequence led to the Wisconsin win (19:16). However, he ends the show by talking about how Saturday's game can be a blueprint for the final month of the regular season (29:43). Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.