The 2025 college football season is winding down, and the transfer portal has basically taken over the conversation. Players are announcing moves left and right, and Northwestern University has really jumped into the mix this year.
The Wildcats have brought in a blend of experienced veterans and some intriguing young guys. Let’s take a look at who’s coming in and what these new faces might mean for Northwestern’s roster.
Northwestern’s New Quarterback: Nicco Marchiol
One of the biggest stories for the Wildcats this offseason is former West Virginia quarterback Nicco Marchiol. He’s got two years left to play and committed to Northwestern on March 16, 2026.
Marchiol started the first four games for the Mountaineers last year before a foot injury knocked him out. Even with the injury, he managed to complete over 66% of his passes for 720 yards, with two touchdowns and two picks.
He also rushed for 57 yards and added a touchdown on the ground. That dual-threat ability is something Northwestern hasn’t had in a while.
Marchiol’s Career Stats and Background
During his time at West Virginia, Marchiol saw action in 23 games. He threw for 1,462 yards, 10 touchdowns, and seven interceptions, plus ran for 342 yards and four more scores.
Coming out of high school, he was a four-star recruit in the Class of 2022 with offers from Georgia, Michigan, Penn State, and USC. It’s not every day Northwestern lands someone with that kind of pedigree.
Defensive Reinforcements: Glory Stephen-Wangboje and Dominic Kirks
On defense, Northwestern added Glory Stephen-Wangboje from Sacred Heart and Dominic Kirks from Ohio State. Stephen-Wangboje, with two years of eligibility left, had a breakout season—29 tackles, four for loss, and a sack.
He’s shown he can produce at the FCS level, which could translate well as he steps up in competition. The Wildcats clearly wanted more punch up front.
Kirks’ High Upside
Dominic Kirks is a 6-foot-4, 267-pound edge rusher with three years of eligibility. He only played six games at Ohio State, but recruiting sites loved him—he was a Rivals150, four-star prospect, and had offers from 11 Big Ten programs.
Kirks brings a lot of potential to Northwestern’s pass rush. The hope is he’ll unlock it here.
Strengthening the Running Back Room
The Wildcats grabbed two running backs: Gavin Sawchuk from Florida State and Mar’Kel Porter from Bowling Green. Sawchuk, with one year left, racked up 486 yards and eight touchdowns on 109 carries last season.
He joins a backfield already featuring Caleb Komolafe and Joseph Himon II, so there’s some real depth now.
Porter’s Potential
Mar’Kel Porter, a redshirt freshman, logged 12 games and started twice for Bowling Green. He only had 93 yards on 31 carries, but there’s a sense he could grow into a bigger role if he develops in Northwestern’s system.
Revamping the Offensive Line
Trying to rebuild up front, Northwestern brought in Arkel Anugwom from Alabama, Grant Seagren from Oklahoma State, and David Anchondo from Saginaw Valley State. Anugwom is a massive redshirt sophomore at 6-foot-6, 328 pounds.
He hasn’t played much yet, but the coaches are hoping his size and upside translate.
Seagren and Anchondo’s Contributions
Grant Seagren started all 12 games at right tackle for Oklahoma State last year. He didn’t allow a single sack in 405 pass attempts, which is impressive.
David Anchondo played right tackle at Saginaw Valley State and is likely to stick there at Northwestern. Both guys have a shot to plug some holes left by outgoing starters.
Key Additions in Special Teams and Secondary
Northwestern made a few interesting moves for special teams and the secondary. Evan Boutorwick comes in from Michigan as a long snapper with three years of eligibility.
He doesn’t have much game experience yet, but he’s got the size and a strong academic background. Sometimes you need those glue guys.
Cornerbacks and Kicker
The Wildcats added two cornerbacks: Montae Pate from Weber State and Brenden Deasfernandes from Central Michigan. Pate shined with 53 tackles, 10 passes defensed, and one interception.
Deasfernandes, who started out at Iowa, tallied 39 tackles and 11 PBUs in two years with Central Michigan. Jackson Kleather from Bowling Green will take over as the starting kicker, replacing Jack Olsen.
Kleather went 19-for-22 on field goals last season and earned second-team All-MAC honors. Not bad at all.
Tight End Additions: Luke Dehnicke and Alex Honig
Northwestern also addressed tight end by adding Luke Dehnicke from Minnesota-Duluth and Alex Honig from UConn. Dehnicke, a first-team Division II All-American, posted 61 catches for 1,119 yards and 14 touchdowns.
Honig, at 6-foot-7 and 270 pounds, caught 13 passes for 162 yards and three touchdowns last season for UConn. That’s some serious size for the position.
Honig’s Versatility
Honig is originally from Germany and actually came to the U.S. as a quarterback before switching to tight end. His versatility and frame could give Northwestern’s offense a different look, especially with their top three tight ends gone.
Additional Defensive Additions
On the defensive side, Northwestern added Jamaal Johnson from UCF and Kobie McKinzie from Oklahoma. Johnson played all 12 games for UCF last season, picking up 24 tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss.
McKinzie started eight games for the Sooners and recorded 32 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, and a sack. There’s a lot of new blood coming in, and it’ll be interesting to see how it all shakes out in Evanston.
McKinzie’s Experience
McKinzie brings a lot of experience and steady production. He looks like a strong candidate to step into a starting role next to Braydon Brus.
The Wildcats really need someone to fill the gap left by linebacker Mac Uihlein. McKinzie’s addition could be pretty important for them.
Northwestern’s roster now has a blend of veterans and young players with potential. This mix should give the Wildcats more depth and options heading into 2026.
If you want more details on these transfers, check out On3’s detailed report.
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