Northwestern receiver Griffin Wilde faces former team South Dakota State in opener

Northwestern wide receiver Griffin Wilde will face his former team, the South Dakota State Jackrabbits, in Saturday’s season opener. Wilde spent two seasons at South Dakota State and contributed to the team's 2023 FCS national championship run. Now a key offensive contributor for Northwestern, Wilde enters the matchup as a Biletnikoff Award Watch List selection and a senior prospect. Northwestern head coach David Braun highlighted the championship pedigree of the visiting South Dakota State squad ahead of the meeting. Wilde noted that the Jackrabbits utilize complex defensive coverages that require careful preparation from opposing offenses. The matchup follows the 2025 GameAbove Sports Bowl, where Wilde earned MVP honors, and marks a significant test for the Northwestern offense under new coordinator Chip Kelly.

• 1:07 PMYahoo Sports — Stellar WR prospect Griffin Wilde to face former team in week 1