As we continue to evaluate Northwestern football’s season in retrospect, it’s now time to take a look at one of the more up-and-down player groups on the roster: the pass-catchers.

NU’s pass-catchers are a tough group to grade for a number of reasons. For one, the inconsistency of Preston Stone at quarterback often limited the ceilings of the receivers, making it difficult to separate their performance from that of the QB. Additionally, there were a number of top performances from players such as Griffin Wilde, Hunter Welcing and Hayden Eligon II, but the rest of the group — particularly at wide receiver, was notably thin.

Overall, the ‘Cats certainly obtained some strong breakout seasons. However, throughout the vast majority of the season, a lack of receiver depth was a big concern holding the team back. Ultimately, the lack of options behind the aforementioned three is what keeps this grade from being higher than a B.

Stats: 71 receptions, 880 yards, 12.4 yards per catch, 8 touchdowns, 79.8 PFF Grade

Wilde was the consistent standout of the Wildcats’ receiving corps, almost always serving as a reliable target for Stone. Despite his lack of speed, the 6-foot-2, 200-pound junior was able to get open frequently against single coverage, forcing defenses to give him extra attention in a number of instances.

Wilde’s standout season was highlighted by his day against Minnesota, which featured 11 catches for 111 yards and a touchdown. He also had four other games above 90 yards receiving, playing a huge role in NU’s then-upset win over Penn State and its bowl victory against Central Michigan. Quieter games against USC and Illinois are what ultimately keep Wilde’s grade from being a full A, but his season was outstanding nonetheless considering Stone’s inconsistencies at QB.

Stats: 28 receptions, 296 yards, 10.6 yards per catch, 2 touchdowns

Welcing entered the portal and transferred to Ohio State after his 2025 season in Evanston, and a great year overall was a primary reason he was able to do so. The graduate student was a sure-handed target for Stone, contributing at least one catch in 12 out of 13 games this season and putting together numerous quality performances, highlighted by a four-reception, 81-yard day against Michigan.

Aside from his production as a pass-catcher, Welcing offered significant benefit to the ‘Cats as a blocker, allowing him to stay on the field in both run and pass situations. Following the departures of Thomas Gordon and Marshall Lang after 2024, the Wildcats had to find a way to fill the blocking and pass-catching voids they were left with at tight end. Fortunately for NU, Welcing provided the perfect solution, and although his stats are certainly not eye-popping, they demonstrate his ability to impact the game when needed.

Stats: 37 receptions, 521 yards, 14.1 yards per catch, 3 touchdowns, 74.5 PFF Grade

Eligon didn’t fully turn up his game until the last three contests of 2025, during which he accumulated a combined 18 receptions for 271 yards and a touchdown. Those performances showed Eligon’s true potential as a vertical threat for the Wildcats, and his stellar play was exactly what Northwestern needed after the team had struggled to find a consistent second option at wideout for most of the season.

Eligon’s play to end 2025 offers plenty of hope for his future. At 6-foot-4, he has the ability to make contested catches downfield, and his route-running ability also improved tremendously as 2025 went on. It truly feels like Eligon is developing into a complete receiver, and in a Chip-Kelly-led offense, he could be destined for big things in 2026.

Stats: 22 receptions, 172 yards, 7.8 yards per catch, 2 touchdowns, 64.8 PFF Grade

Wagner made his hay as a short-yardage receiver in 2025, and he had some solid games, including a six-catch, 63-yard performance against Louisiana-Monroe and a four-catch, 26-yard day against USC. Despite this, the 5-foot-10 slot receiver was unable to fully emerge as a reliable target for Stone. During Eligon’s three-game breakout stretch, Wagner did not record a single catch, making his projected role murky going forward.

Stats: 10 receptions, 200 yards, 20 yards per catch, 64.1 PFF Grade

Many hoped that Ahumaraeze would become the next big-play receiver for the ‘Cats, but ultimately, he was unable to build a consistent rapport with Stone, only recording four catches against Power Five opponents in 2025. At 6-foot-4, his potential is certainly still there, and he did show it off with a 32-yard catch against USC and a 30-yard snag against Minnesota. Ultimately, however, the ‘Cats often went with other options at receiver for extended periods, and Ahumaraeze’s statistics suffered as a result.

Lawson Albright: Incomplete

Stats: 9 receptions, 78 yards, 8.7 yards per catch, 1 touchdown

Albright made a few plays here and there in 2025, and he did have two catches for 27 yards and a touchdown in the GameAbove Sports Bowl against CMU. He also spent time on the field as a blocker and played solidly despite limited snaps.

Frank Covey IV: Incomplete

Stats: 2 receptions, 22 yards, 11 yards per catch

Covey’s role was sharply cut from his role in 2024, as he did not record a catch after the season-opening Tulane game. Drops and struggles to get separation downfield seemed to be the main factors keeping Covey from producing consistently, as he was quickly usurped by other pass-catchers for most of the year.

Stats: 2 receptions, 17 yards, 8.5 yards per catch

Grove’s two catches in 2025 came against Tulane and Central Michigan. Overall, the first-year’s playing time was limited, but he’ll look to expand his role as he enters his sophomore season.

Stats: 4 receptions, 14 yards, 3.5 yards per catch

With the emergence of Welcing, Lines’ role with the ‘Cats ended up being minimal. He recorded three catches against the Green Wave and one against Penn State but didn’t make much of an impact otherwise.

Chase Farrell: Incomplete

Stats: 3 receptions, 12 yards, 4 yards per catch

The Wildcats took a swing on Farrell’s speed by bringing him in as a transfer for 2025, but the move ultimately didn’t pan out the way many hoped. The redshirt first-year did not record a catch after Oct. 4, and critical fumbles against Western Illinois and Minnesota also served as an impediment to his playing time.