What Happened to Northwestern Wildcats Men's Basketball?
The Northwestern Wildcats men's basketball program, historically known for its struggles, has undergone a significant transformation under head coach Chris Collins, making three NCAA Tournament appearances in 2017, 2023, and 2024. Despite a challenging 2025-26 season, the program continues to build for the future with Collins' contract extended through 2030 and ongoing recruiting efforts.
Quick Answer
Northwestern Wildcats Men's Basketball, once the only Power Five conference team never to reach the NCAA Tournament, broke that drought in 2017 and has since made two more appearances in 2023 and 2024 under head coach Chris Collins. Collins signed a multi-year contract extension through 2030 in April 2025, signaling the university's commitment to his leadership. While the 2025-26 season saw the team finish with a 15-19 overall record and a 5-15 Big Ten record, the program continues to focus on recruiting and sustained competitiveness in the Big Ten Conference.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline15 events
Men's Basketball Program Introduced
Northwestern University introduced men's basketball as an intercollegiate sport.
First Big Ten Conference Championship
The Wildcats secured their first Big Ten Conference regular-season championship.
Second Big Ten Conference Championship
Northwestern won its second Big Ten Conference regular-season title.
Bill Carmody Hired, Brings NIT Appearances
Bill Carmody became head coach, leading the Wildcats to multiple NIT appearances (2009-2012) and proving that winning was possible in Evanston.
Chris Collins Hired as Head Coach
Chris Collins, a former Duke assistant, was appointed head coach, beginning a new era for the program.
First Winning Big Ten Record in Decades
The Wildcats defeated Michigan 67-65 to clinch their 10th conference win, marking their first winning Big Ten record in almost 50 years.
Historic First NCAA Tournament Appearance
Northwestern received an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament, ending a 78-year drought and becoming the last longstanding Power Five conference member to make the 'Big Dance'.
First NCAA Tournament Win
Northwestern defeated Vanderbilt 68-66 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, securing their first-ever tournament victory.
Tied for Second in Big Ten
The Wildcats finished the 2022-23 season tied for second place in the Big Ten Conference, their highest finish since the 1958-59 season, and made another NCAA Tournament appearance.
Third NCAA Tournament Appearance
Northwestern achieved a 22-12 overall record (12-8 Big Ten, 3rd place) and made its third NCAA Tournament appearance, reaching the Round of 32.
Chris Collins Contract Extended Through 2030
Head Coach Chris Collins signed a multi-year contract extension, committing him to Northwestern through the 2030 season.
Declined Postseason Invitations
The Wildcats finished the season with a 17-16 overall record and 7-13 in the Big Ten, and subsequently declined any postseason invitations.
Announces 2026 Signing Class
Coach Chris Collins announced the signing of center Symon Ghai and guard Jayden Hodge as part of the Wildcats' 2026 recruiting class.
Challenging Season in Big Ten
Northwestern concluded the 2025-26 season with a 15-19 overall record and a 5-15 mark in the Big Ten Conference, finishing 15th.
Continues 2026 Recruiting Efforts
Northwestern continued to extend offers to prospects for its 2026 recruiting class, including Wisconsin power forward Andrew Jensen, demonstrating ongoing efforts to build future rosters.
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🔍Deep Dive Analysis
For decades, the Northwestern Wildcats men's basketball program was synonymous with futility, holding the unenviable distinction of being the only longstanding member of a Power Five conference never to have reached the NCAA Tournament. The team's history saw only two Big Ten regular-season championships in 1931 and 1933, and a consistent finish in the bottom half of the conference for much of the post-World War II era.
A significant turning point arrived with the hiring of Chris Collins as head coach in 2013. Collins, a former Duke assistant, embarked on the challenging task of transforming the program. His efforts culminated in the historic 2016-17 season, where the Wildcats not only achieved their first winning Big Ten record in nearly half a century but also secured their inaugural bid to the NCAA Tournament. They even won their first tournament game, defeating Vanderbilt 68-66. This breakthrough moment captured national attention and fundamentally altered the program's perception.
After a few rebuilding seasons, Collins led the Wildcats back to prominence. The 2022-23 season was particularly strong, with Northwestern finishing tied for second in the Big Ten, their highest finish since the 1958-59 season. This success was followed by another NCAA Tournament appearance in the 2023-24 season, where they achieved a 22-12 overall record and a 12-8 Big Ten record, finishing third in the conference before advancing to the Round of 32 in the NCAA Tournament.
As of April 4, 2025, Northwestern demonstrated its long-term commitment to Collins by signing him to a multi-year contract extension through 2030, recognizing his role in the program's most successful stretch. The 2024-25 season saw the Wildcats finish with a 17-16 overall record and a 7-13 Big Ten record, placing 12th in the conference, and they opted to decline any postseason invitations. The most recent 2025-26 season presented further challenges, with the team posting a 15-19 overall record and a 5-15 mark in the Big Ten, finishing 15th. Despite the recent dip, the program is actively recruiting, announcing its 2026 signing class in November 2025, which included Symon Ghai and Jayden Hodge, and extending offers to other prospects for the 2026 class throughout 2025 and 2026. The Wildcats continue to play their home games at Welsh-Ryan Arena in Evanston, Illinois.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Northwestern Wildcats Men's Basketball made different choices?