Northwestern safety Robert Fitzgerald enters the season as a top NFL prospect

Northwestern opens its football season tonight against South Dakota State at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium. Kickoff for the matchup is scheduled for 7 p.m. Central time with a broadcast on the Big Ten Network. Fifth-year safety Robert Fitzgerald enters the contest as a focal point for the Wildcats following a 2025 campaign where he led the Big Ten with 70 solo tackles. Draft analysts currently view Fitzgerald as one of the top 30 defensive backs available for next April's NFL draft. The defensive captain has spent the offseason working on his coverage and tackling skills while practicing against the Wildcats' new offense directed by Chip Kelly. Head coach David Braun continues to rely on Fitzgerald as the team's primary leader on the field.

• 3:03 PMYahoo Sports — Northwestern's Robert Fitzgerald a rising prospect at safety