Northwestern clinched their first Big Ten Conference title in football in the year 1903 under the coaching of Walter McCornack.

Prior to the 2014 conference realignment, Northwestern was a part of the Legends division within the Big Ten Conference.

Ryan Field, the Wildcats' home turf since 1926, hosted significant events such as NCAA championships in 1943 and the US Olympic Trials in 1932 and 1948 for track and field.

Some notable coaches in Northwestern football history include Walter McCornack, Ara Parseghian, and Lynn O. "Pappy" Waldorf, among others, who left a significant impact on the team.

The 2023 season saw the Wildcats under the guidance of Coach David Braun finishing with a 7-5 record, a Bowl game appearance, and a victory at the Las Vegas Bowl, earning Coach Braun the Big Ten Coach of the Year accolade.