The Wildcats’ home opener is an in-state clash between FBS and FCS.
This is InsideNU’s second summer preview of Northwestern Football’s 2025 opponents. This time we focus on the Wildcats’ Week 2 opponent, Western Illinois. The Leathernecks are the lone FCS opponent on Northwestern’s schedule this season and are making the trip to Evanston on September 5 for the Wildcats’ home opener.
The Basics
2024 Record: 4-8 (3-5 OVC)
Head Coach: Joe Davis (second season)
2024 Capsule
Prior to Joe Davis’ first season with the Leathernecks, they were in the Missouri Valley Conference and hadn’t won more than two games dating back to 2019, including back-to-back winless seasons in 2022 and 2023. In 2024, however, Western Illinois saw new life in the Ohio Valley Conference, winning four games overall and having a winning record at home under Davis. The Leathernecks had 10 players selected to their All-Conference team and look to be on an upward trajectory.
Offensive Overview
The Leathernecks had a great season offensively in 2024. They finished first in the OVC-Big South Football Association in total offense, offensive touchdowns, first downs, third-down conversions, passing offense and offensive efficiency. Quarterback Nathan Lamb was named to the All-Conference team after throwing for over 3,000 yards and finishing fourth in the nation (FCS) in total offense with 306.6 yards per game. Wide receiver Matthew Henry earned multiple All-America (FCS) honors after he led the OVC-Big South in receiving yards.
However, both Lamb and Henry are no longer on the team and Western Illinois will need to figure out that starting quarterback spot. Whether it’s Chris Irvin, Tanner Zolnosky or Antwon McKay Jr. is yet to be seen, but with Davis’ track record, these guys are in a position to succeed. Christian Anaya and Demari Davis will step into the starting wide receiver position after Henry and Elijah Aragon both transferred to the FBS level. Running back also remains a major question mark for this team.
Defensive Overview
Defense wasn’t a bright spot for the Leathernecks in 2024. In all major defensive categories, they ranked towards the bottom of the OVC-Big South. To make matters worse, the top two tacklers for Western Illinois are no longer with the team. Defensive back Christian Pierce, the third leading tackler for the Leathernecks in 2024, is back with the team, along with sack leader Peyton Bradford. Bradford had four sacks in 2024 and forced two fumbles. Defensive lineman Jalen Riven also returns with his 3.5 sacks from a season ago. All in all, this defense lost a lot of crucial players from last season, but retained some of its top guys.