Michigan Wolverines Take on Northwestern Wildcats in Crucial Matchup

The No. 18 Michigan Wolverines will face off against the Northwestern Wildcats on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois. This matchup comes during Week 12 of the college football season and holds significant implications for both teams. Michigan aims to maintain its playoff aspirations, while Northwestern seeks to secure a bowl eligibility.

Michigan, led by standout quarterback Bryce Underwood, enters the game with hopes of winning their remaining regular-season games. A decisive victory against Northwestern could set the stage for a critical matchup against No. 1 Ohio State on November 29. The Wolverines are determined to capitalize on their recent momentum, having won three consecutive games.

In contrast, Northwestern has struggled, losing their last two games. The Wildcats must win at least one of their final three contests to qualify for postseason play. The pressure is on as they prepare to face a formidable opponent in Michigan.

The Michigan and Northwestern game will kick off at 12:10 p.m. ET. Fans can expect an exciting atmosphere at the historic Wrigley Field, known for its unique baseball setting that will transform for this football showdown.

A glance at other teams reveals that Iowa’s playoff prospects dimmed significantly last week after a narrow loss to No. 7 Oregon, with the game ending on a 39-yard field goal by Atticus Sappington with just three seconds remaining. Meanwhile, the University of Southern California (USC) continues to have playoff ambitions, ranking second among all Bowl Subdivision teams in yards per game and tied for seventh in points per game. USC’s offensive capabilities make them a team to watch as the season progresses.

Nebraska’s standout running back, Emmett Johnson, leads the FBS with a remarkable 1,431 total yards from scrimmage this season. In a recent game against UCLA, Johnson achieved a historic milestone, becoming the first Cornhusker to record over 100 yards in both rushing and receiving in a single game.

In terms of individual performances, Wisconsin linebacker Cooper Catalano made headlines with 19 tackles against Washington, marking the highest tally for a Badgers player since 2011. Additionally, Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith reached a milestone by recording his 25th career touchdown catch in just 25 games, setting a new record for the fastest player to achieve this feat in Buckeyes history.

As teams approach the final stretch of the season, the competition intensifies. Michigan’s matchup with Northwestern is not just another game; it is a pivotal moment that could shape the playoff landscape for both teams. Fans eagerly anticipate the outcome as the Wolverines aim to continue their winning streak against a desperate Northwestern squad seeking redemption.