KDSN RADIO Sports
2026 Area College Football Preview: Northwestern College
The Northwestern Raiders failed to qualify for the playoffs last season, but expect a young roster from last season to take that next step up in 2026. The Raiders finished 6-4 last season with three of those four losses decided by one possession. But momentum built up for the Raiders towards the end of the season, winning three of their last four, which included an upset victory over Morningside.
The Raiders bring back key pieces from one of the best defenses in the GPAC last year, which include Denison-Schleswig graduate Jaxson Hildebrand, who had 13 tackles and finished third on the team with four sacks.
On offense, junior Colby Duncan returns as the starter after an impressive sophomore campaign, finishing with 1,789 yards and 14 touchdowns while also leading the team with over 600 rushing yards.
KDSN talked to Raiders head coach Matt McCarty to preview the 2026 season.
