There’s no doubt that the ‘Cats lost some amazing players in the offseason. In addition to losing guys like Xander Mueller and Coco Azema, NU said goodbye to vital starters at cornerback, offensive line, and punter. However, head coach David Braun went out and lured some solid additions to Evanston. Let’s meet the players who have committed to Northwestern thus far.
QB Preston Stone, SMU
Undoubtedly the biggest get in the portal, Stone will immediately slot in at QB1 for the ‘Cats in 2025. He had an excellent 2023 season at Southern Methodist, slinging 28 touchdowns and just six interceptions as a redshirt sophomore. Though he was unseated as the starter by Kevin Jennings following a late-season ankle injury, Stone will give NU’s offense a refreshing jolt of electricity compared to Mike Wright or Jack Lausch’s abilities. He’s got a live arm and will wow at times when he fits throws into tight windows or delivers strikes on the run.
OT Xavior Gray, Liberty
Northwestern will be Gray’s third destination in his college career, having started at Akron before transferring to Liberty in 2023. The junior is a mountain of a man, standing at 6-foot-8 and 340 pounds. As a Flame, he helped anchor an excellent offensive line that finished first in the FBS in rushing yards per game (293.3) and second in sacks allowed per game (0.64). For a ‘Cats roster that is losing both Josh Thompson and Jordan Knox, Gray is a welcome addition to the line.
LB Yanni Karlaftis, Purdue
Karlaftis comes from a family of athletes. His older brother, George, is currently an edge rusher for the Kansas City Chiefs, while his father was a multi-sport athlete at the University of Miami. Karlaftis was a four-star recruit coming out of high school, but he didn’t make as much of an impact as he would’ve liked during his four years as a Boilermaker. He joins the ‘Cats having notched 3.5 career sacks, but he should play a vital role with Xander Mueller out of eligibility. He has value at multiple positions, as he is capable of playing SAM linebacker or lining up on the edge.
S An’Darius Coffey, Memphis
The ‘Cats desperately needed a safety with Coco Azema out of eligibility and Devin Turner in the portal. Enter Coffey — he’s got a similar build to Azema at 5-foot-10 and 200 pounds, and plays with the same ferocious energy. If he gets a lane downhill, ballcarriers should heed warning. He can deliver vicious hits, seen in the two fumbles he forced in 2024. Coffey might not be a lockdown guy in coverage, but the senior should add some eye-popping plays to his highlight reel in his final year of eligibility with Northwestern.
WR Chase Farrell, Stanford
Farrell joins the ‘Cats as a blank slate. Ranked as a four-star recruit by ESPN, he didn’t record any statistics in his freshman year with the Cardinal. But he has the speed to burst onto the scene in the purple-and-white. As a freshman in high school, Farrell once held the record for the 100-meter dash. He also added 896 kick-return yards during his varsity career, which could be a potential solution to losing A.J. Henning.
Lost: S Devin Turner, CB Theran Johnson, OL Josh Thompson, P Hunter Renner, OL Jordan Knox, WR Reggie Fleurima, LS Will Halkyard
