Northwestern football aims to contend in GPAC after strong offseason

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 19, 2026, 9:50 PM

Last updated Aug 19, 2026

Northwestern football aims to contend in GPAC after strong offseason

Summary

Northwestern football is preparing for the upcoming GPAC season, having been picked third in the preseason coaches poll. The Red Raiders, coming off a 6-4 season, return key players including quarterback Colby Duncan, who threw for over 2,300 yards and 19 touchdowns last year. Head coach Matt McCarty expressed confidence in the team, citing the experience gained from last season and the improvements shown during offseason workouts. Northwestern will open the season against Division I FCS Western Illinois on August 27.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Key Details

•Northwestern selected third in GPAC preseason poll
•Finished 2025 season with a 6-4 record
•Colby Duncan returns as starting quarterback
•Team opener set for August 27 against Western Illinois
•Coaches optimistic about team's offseason progress

Latest Updates

9:50 PMYahoo Sports — Northwestern football excited for opportunity to compete and contend in GPAC

What they're saying

"
ORANGE CITY, Iowa (KCAU) – Orange City is buzzing with football excitement as the Northwestern Red Raiders continue working through fall camp, driven by the chance to compete and contend among the best in the GPAC after being picked third in the conference preaseason coaches poll. The Red Raiders put together a 6-4 season in […]
— Yahoo Sports

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