Griffin Wilde's emotional return as Northwestern faces South Dakota State
In a compelling season opener, Northwestern's Griffin Wilde will face his former team, South Dakota State, where he previously contributed to a national championship. This matchup carries significant personal stakes for Wilde, who is now a top NFL Draft prospect.
As the 2026 college football season kicks off, one game stands out due to its intriguing narrative: Northwestern's wide receiver Griffin Wilde will face off against his former team, South Dakota State. This matchup is particularly meaningful for Wilde, who spent his first two seasons with the Jackrabbits, helping them secure an FCS national championship in 2023. Now, as Northwestern's leading offensive player and a third-team All-Big Ten selection, Wilde is poised to make a significant impact in this game.
Scheduled well in advance, this game has been on the calendar since 2018, but the stakes have changed dramatically for Wilde. He is not just returning to face his old teammates; he is doing so as one of the top prospects for the upcoming NFL Draft. With the 2026 Biletnikoff Award Watch List recognition under his belt, Wilde's performance in this game could further elevate his draft stock.
Wilde expressed his excitement about the matchup, acknowledging the talent of the Jackrabbits. "I know how good they are," he said in an interview. "Those guys are really good at football, so it’s going to be a good challenge. It’s going to be really fun to see those guys again." His respect for his former team is evident, and he recognizes the challenge they present, especially given their strong football culture.
Northwestern's head coach, David Braun, echoed Wilde's sentiments, describing South Dakota State as having a "championship culture" that can challenge opponents in all three phases of the game. This acknowledgment of the Jackrabbits' prowess adds another layer of intrigue to the matchup. Wilde elaborated on Braun's comments, highlighting the Jackrabbits' recruitment strategy, which focuses on bringing in players who are accustomed to winning and expect to compete for national championships.
Wilde's insights on South Dakota State's defense
Despite the difference in classification between the Power 5 and FCS, Wilde cautioned against underestimating South Dakota State. "They know what they need to do," he said. "They have a bunch of different coverages. They hide it well. They do all this stuff to maybe throw the receivers off, the quarterback off. You just got to be ready for everything."
As a projected day three draft prospect, Wilde's performance in this game could be pivotal. He has already made a name for himself, being named the MVP of the now-defunct GameAbove Sports Bowl in 2025. His skills as a route technician, combined with his size and speed, make him a valuable asset for Northwestern's offense. With Chip Kelly as the new offensive coordinator, Wilde is optimistic about his development. "Obviously a very smart guy," he said of Kelly. "He knows everything, and he's going to want things done a certain way. And his way is the right way, because he's Chip Kelly, he knows what he's doing."
With Kelly's NFL experience, Wilde believes that following his guidance will lead to success on the field. As the season opener approaches, all eyes will be on Wilde as he returns to face the team that helped shape his early career. This game is not just about the win-loss record; it's a personal journey for Wilde, showcasing his growth and the challenges he faces as he aims for a successful future in professional football.
