In conjunction with our College Football’s Best series, highlighting the top plays, players, highlights, and moments from all 133 teams, we’re here to showcase the best the Northwestern Wildcats have had to offer in 2023. Who has stood out? What units are turning heads?
And who from Northwestern is among the top mentions in our College Football’s Best series this season?
Northwestern Wildcats Best of 2023
At College Football Network, we watch every game. Every player. Every team. And our notebooks are chock full of top players, plays, highlights, and moments. Today, I’m emptying the notebook.
Below, find Northwestern’s noteworthy players, groupings, or units, all listed under a different category: good, great, grand, or wonderful. Every team across the country has put forth their best efforts in 2023, and through four weeks of action, those players deserve notoriety for what they’ve put forth this season.
Highlighting the best with a line from the one and only Chris Farley, welcome to this season’s Good, Great, Grand, Wonderful!
For all 133 teams, head over to College Football’s Best of 2023.
Jump to the rest of the teams from the Big Ten Conference: Illinois | Indiana | Iowa | Maryland | Michigan | Michigan State | Minnesota | Nebraska | Ohio State | Penn State | Purdue | Rutgers | Wisconsin
Good: Garnett Hollis Jr., CB
Showing he can stick with any number of receivers, Garnett Hollis Jr. has put forth a great start to the 2023 campaign. He’s recorded multiple pass breakups and limited receivers incredibly well in his coverage.
Great: Xander Mueller, LB
Second on the team in tackles and sacks, Xander Mueller has proven once again he’s a three-down threat at linebacker. Mueller has great instincts in all facets and nabbed a pick against UTEP.
Grand: Bryce Gallagher, LB
Leading the team once again in tackles with 44, Bryce Gallagher is flying around the field for the Wildcats like he’s done for the past three seasons. Gallagher has recorded an interception and multiple plays in the backfield as he’s the heart and soul of this defense.
Wonderful: Bryce Kirtz, WR
Going off in Week 4, Bryce Kirtz was unstoppable in Northwestern’s come-from-behind victory over Minnesota. He’s hauled in team-highs in receptions (17), yards (274), and touchdowns (2) while showcasing a terrific all-around skill set.
Kirtz can run clean routes on the outside and should be a huge factor moving forward.