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Finals week wrapped up yesterday on campus, marking the official end of an eventful 2025-26 year in sports for the Wildcats. But while the dust settles in Evanston, Northwestern’s athletic department continues to keep its hands busy in setting up its athletes for greater success when they reconvene in a few months.
What does that look like?
We at InsideNU have a sample of what’s coming up for Northwestern this summer.
Nick Martinelli’s Draft Stock
When Nick Martinelli departed the 2025 draft pool and returned to Northwestern for his senior season, he had one objective: to prove that his unorthodox, old-school repertoire could translate at the next level, where athletes seem to be evolving every season.
It’s safe to say he did so, reclaiming the Big Ten scoring title by a wide margin while shooting at a 51% clip from the field and 41.7% from three. Funny enough, the only other Power Four draft prospect to post comparable numbers to Martinelli was Cameron Boozer from Duke.
Although some teams’ concerns were exacerbated by below-average showings in the vertical jump and three-quarter court sprint, Nicky Buckets seemed to redeem himself come scrimmage time, averaging 15.5 points on nearly 60% shooting — a performance many say may have boosted his second-round draft stock. He’s currently projected by Yahoo! Sports to go to the San Antonio Spurs at no. 44 — the same exact spot that Brooks Barnhizer went last year.
NUFB’s New-Look Offense
David Braun has done a complete makeover with the offensive unit, not only in the major additions of Chip Kelly as offensive coordinator, Jerry Neuheisel as the quarterbacks coach and Aidan Chiles as QB1, but in the running back room as well: plucking Gavin Sawchuk from Florida State — the lead back for the top rushing offense in the ACC — and scooping a young Mar’Kel Porter from Bowling Green.
It seems as though NU is morphing into an RPO-heavy offense that leans on the versatility of its running backs. The major question is the offensive line, and if it’ll be able to replicate what it did a season ago. The major storyline here is Ezomo Oratokhai, who takes over at the center position this coming fall.
When I got the chance to speak to him a few months ago, here’s what he had to say about it:
What excites me the most is that I like being vocal, so I’m able to use one of my strengths to help me in that position…I get to explore that, it’ll be pretty cool.
The Formation of Kirkpatrick Stadium
Grace Nieto was the last remnant of the 2022 Women’s College World Series roster for Northwestern softball in 2026. With her departure comes the ushering of a new era next season at “The K” — Kirkpatrick Stadium — led by the ‘Cats’ three brightest stars in Emma Raye, Marina Mason and Kaylie Avvisato.
In an interview with Softball America, Kate Drohan notes that NUSB anticipates being able to move into Kirkpatrick Stadium next month in preparation for its fall season.
In addition to the new seating bowl that’s been shown all over the Big Ten Network this past year, the new humble abode for Drohan and company will include new dugouts and a team clubhouse.
Taylor, Epke and Cuocco’s rookie WLL seasons
Northwestern lacrosse had three seniors taken in the first-ever WLL College Draft.
Madison Taylor went no. 1 overall to the California Palms, but her debut will have to wait, as she’s currently with Team USA prepping for the 2026 World Lacrosse Women’s Championship in Japan. Cuocco was the next Wildcat off the board at no. 14, but hasn’t gotten her first taste of pro lacrosse either, as she finds herself behind Caylee Waters on the Maryland Charm depth chart.
However, Waters will also depart the WLL to compete for Team USA this summer, which may open the door for her debut in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, Maddie Epke has already made her mark for a Boston Guard squad that desperately needs a spark after losing captain Charlotte North to a torn achilles.
Epke, who served as NU’s secondary draw taker in the spring, went 23-for-29 on the draw in her first appearance while scooping up 16 ground balls against the Palms. If that’s any indication of what she’s got in store for the Guard, it may warrant her a long-term deal to stay in Boston for the foreseeable future.
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