Bleav in Northwestern

Northwestern football had a busy two weeks in the transfer portal, adding 12 new players—including a new top quarterback in former Michigan State signal-caller Aidan Chiles. Wildcat Report’s Matt Shelton joins Zach to break down Chiles’s career thus far and project what he might be able to showcase in Chip Kelly’s offense. Then, the pair talks about some of the other moves Northwestern made, highlighting some of the key new faces, as well as some of the most significant departures. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Amid a hectic football offseason, Zach traveled to Rutgers to watch Northwestern basketball try to dig its way out of an early Big Ten hole—and what he saw gave him very little hope of a quick fix. He breaks down the game from Nick Martinelli’s one-man show, to frustrating guard play to KJ Windham’s status and more. Then, Sports Illustrated’s Kevin Sweeney joins the show to have it out about what happened to this Northwestern team. From missed evaluations in the transfer portal, a lack of effort and defensive buy-in, along with a coaching staff that seems to be at a loss for answers, the pair tries to figure out what can be done—or if this year is already a wash for the Wildcats. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Northwestern landed Chip Kelly to be its offensive coordinator. What?!? Zach welcomes ESPN senior college football writer Adam Rittenberg to learn more about how the shocking move came to be, as well as what role Kelly will play and the latest on the Wildcats’ search for a transfer portal quarterback. Zach then returns solo to dive deeper on his reaction to the hire, and what larger trend it might indicate for Northwestern’s lofty goals. He also discusses the other staff moves from the addition of QBs coach Jerry Neuheisel to the departure of defensive line coach Christian Smith, as well as what to make of the lack of a transfer portal presence thus far. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Northwestern football is once again victorious in the postseason! The Wildcats cruised to victory over Central Michigan in the GameAbove Sports Bowl and Zach is back to share his biggest insights from the win. After bidding farewell to the seniors on the roster, he then discusses the rumored “offensive reset” that could be on the horizon. He also addresses what Northwestern might do at quarterback in 2026 and emphasizes the importance of retaining the top offensive talent still left in Evanston. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year: bowl season! Zach is joined by Alex Scheer of the MAC Sports Connection to preview Northwestern’s opponent in the GameAbove Sports Bowl, Central Michigan. The pair talks about the surprise of the Chippewas this year in the MAC in the first season under new head coach Matt Drinkall and discuss the glaring similarities between the approaches of both programs. Then, they give their keys to the game and make their predictions for how the game will play out at Ford Field. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We’re still two weeks away from Northwestern traveling to Detroit for its 2025 bowl game against Central Michigan, so it’s reflection time on the podcast—and we’re handing out grades. Zach is joined by Wildcat Report managing editor Matt Shelton to grade the performances of David Braun (5:05), Zach Lujan (15:26) and Preston Stone (23:55) as well as Caleb Komolafe, the offensive line and the receivers (35:28) and the defensive line, secondary, plus some honorable mentions (50:15). Finally, the pair gives their overall season grades for Northwestern football in 2025 (1:04:53) and briefly discusses national signing day (1:15:56). Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Just over a week ago, Northwestern field hockey won its third championship in five seasons, cementing itself as one of the premier programs in the sport. Head coach Tracey Fuchs joins Zach to talk about how the Wildcats got the job done during a thrilling Final Four, why this title was different and how she’s established a dynasty in Evanston. Then, star midfielder Maddie Zimmer reflects on her accomplished career in purple, breaks down some of her best plays of the NCAA tournament and shares what’s next. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

After a loss in the regular-season finale to Illinois, Zach reflects on what went wrong during rivalry week. He explains why this was a full-circle moment for the 2025 Northwestern season and how two of the Wildcats’ biggest woes this year combined to result in a frustrating outcome. Then, Zach reacts to Michigan State hiring former Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald, detailing the complicated nature of his feelings about Fitz and examining whether or not the Spartans made a smart choice. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

To celebrate Thanksgiving, Zach shares why he’s thankful for Northwestern returning to a bowl game after a thrilling victory over Minnesota. He lauds Preston Stone’s best game as a Wildcat, while highlighting some other standout performances on offense. Then, Mike Cagley of the Illini Guys joins the show to preview the rivalry game against Illinois. The pair breaks down the Illini’s season thus far, while discussing the state of competing in the Big Ten and makes their predictions for the game. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Northwestern has another chance to become bowl eligible at Wrigley Field Saturday against Minnesota. Zach breaks down the Golden Gophers, from their stellar edge rushers to their lackluster offensive firepower. Then, he gives three keys to the game for the Wildcats and, of course, makes his final score prediction. Can Northwestern break the Wrigley Field curse? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The fallout of Northwestern’s disappointing loss to Michigan at Wrigley Field continues to hover above the program going into this week’s matchup against Minnesota, so its time to have the conversation: does David Braun’s rhetoric of competing for a Big Ten championship align with his coaching decisions on the sideline? Noah Coffman joins Zach on the show to debate the head coach’s decision-making and more about the program’s standing within the conference. Then, they pivot to discuss Northwestern field hockey getting back to a fifth straight Final four, where No. 1 North Carolina awaits. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Northwestern nearly stole a win against Michigan thanks to five turnovers and some timely scores late, but the Wrigley Field curse continues. Zach breaks down the loss and why it felt so aggravating, from the horrible production in the red zone to an inability to capitalize off of the Wolverines’ mistakes. Plus, he gives his thoughts on why this game exemplifies how Northwestern can continue to compete with the Big Ten’s top teams and his reaction to David Braun’s fiery press conference. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Northwestern is set to play some Friday night lights football at the L.A. Coliseum against USC and Zach is joined by Sports Illustrated writer and editor Nick Selbe to preview the matchup. The two discuss how they feel about this being a conference game before diving into the Trojans, who nearly had their season completely derailed with a scare at Nebraska. They dive deep on the performance of quarterback Jayden Maiava this season and whether or not he’s capable of being the next program great, while also highlighting the star-studded cast of skill players around him. Finally, they emphasize the biggest weakness of USC’s defense before making picks and predictions. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Though there’s still plenty of action left on the gridiron, Zach turns his focus to the hardwood of Welsh-Ryan Arena with Northwestern men’s basketball set to get underway. He begins by giving an overview of the Wildcats going into what may seem like a transition year, yet is anything but (2:10). Then, Sports Illustrated college basketball reporter Kevin Sweeney joins the show to break down what we’ve seen from the program’s two exhibitions as well as some of the key additions for Chris Collins, like Jayden Reid, Arrinten Page and Tre Singleton (16:34). Finally, the pair discusses Northwestern’s place on the bubble and in the pecking order of the Big Ten. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It’s mailbag week! You’ve got questions, the Bleav in Northwestern podcast has answers. To help go through the questions, Zach is joined by Wildcat Report’s Matt Shelton and the pair covers a number of topics in football and men’s basketball. Was Nebraska the most disappointing loss of David Braun’s tenure? Is Preston Stone not what we all thought he was? Will Northwestern still make a bowl game? What will Chris Collins’s lineup be on opening night? Who’s the x-factor for basketball this season? Zach and Matt cover all of these questions and more on this week’s episode. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Northwestern improved to a shocking 5–2 by dominating Purdue in the final game at the lakeside stadium this past weekend, setting up a showdown with Nebraska in Lincoln. Zach begins by lauding the defense for its effort in the shutout of the Boilermakers, particularly pointing to the defensive line’s dominance (1:44). He then explains why this was Preston Stone’s worst game since Oregon, but why the offense has been able to maintain some momentum during this four-game win streak. Next, he touches on the end of an era for Northwestern’s temporary stadium (21:11) before breaking down what he’s seen from a vulnerable Nebraska team. Finally, he makes his predictions and pick for this Saturday’s showdown. X: @ZachKoons Instagram: zach_koons Email: zach.koons@si.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Anything is possible! Northwestern went on the road and downed a reeling Penn State team with a complete team performance on Saturday for one of the program’s most shocking wins of the past decade. Zach breaks down the game, lauding Preston Stone for his best game as a Wildcat and Zach Lujan for his masterful game plan (1:15). He then emphasizes NU’s resiliency and how David Braun rallied his guys after an up-and-down start to the season (9:48). Finally, he goes over the defense’s complete team effort and the one area of improvement for the ‘Cats (17:38) before contextualizing what this win means for the program and for the future of Braun and the coaching staff (25:43). Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Northwestern dominated its homecoming opponent, Louisiana-Monroe, last weekend and Zach was boots on the ground to witness another stride forward the Wildcats. Andrew Bowen and Henry Ettinger, former WNUR Sports broadcasters who were at the game alongside Zach, join the show to discuss their thoughts on the penultimate game at the lakeside stadium (2:15) before emphasizing what they liked about the offense’s showing and the playcalling on Saturday (6:28). They debate whether or not they should be concerned about the defense after the Warhawks’ opening drive and second-half comeback attempt from UCLA, before diving in on Penn State (17:51). The trio breaks down what’s happening with the Nittany Lions and makes picks for Northwestern’s trip to Happy Valley (23:15). Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Northwestern escaped a second-half scare against UCLA to nab its second win of the season and first against an FBS opponent. Zach breaks down what he liked about the Wildcats, starting with the offense’s ball control and Caleb Komolafe’s career day (1:30). He then pivots to discuss what allowed the Bruins to climb back into the game, laying the blame on the coaches for their confounding approach to putting the game away (16:57). He then defends the defense from criticism, takes a look at Anto Saka’s production and makes a score prediction for Northwestern’s homecoming game against Louisiana Monroe (28:52). Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Coming out of the bye week, Northwestern is back at home against UCLA—a program navigating significant upheaval and off to an even worse start than the Wildcats. USA Today reporter and Bleav in UCLA Football podcast host James H. Williams joins Zach on the show to break down the Bruins, beginning with the recent firing of head coach Deshaun Foster and why the program has struggled to adjust to the start of a new era in the Big Ten (2:35). The two then discuss UCLA’s on-field product in 2025, starting with the underwhelming play of highly touted transfer QB Nico Iamaleava, the lack of support around him and an inconsistent defense (22:54). Zach then helps provide context for Northwestern’s 1–2 start, focusing on the mistake-ridden football of Preston Stone and the lack of early production for a well-regarded defensive line (44:49). Finally, the pair makes their predictions for the final score (1:02:30). Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.