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By Jordan Sigler
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The Indiana Hoosiers went from rags to riches in the Big Ten under head coach Curt Cignetti.
The intense and highly motivated coach immediately battled negativity surrounding the Hoosiers program. But it wasn't just Cignetti's efforts that helped IU make the College Football Playoff in 2024 and 2025, winning the national championship in the latter season. Mark Cuban and other boosters gave generously to the program, helping to boost the roster for CFP runs.
The Uihlein family is hoping to make Northwestern more competitive in football. The Uihlein family gave a $35 million gift to the Wildcats for football, Northwestern announced on its website Tuesday.
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The gift comes before Northwestern is set to play at its new stadium, Ran Field, funded privately with philanthropy from Pat and Shirley Ryan. The Uihlein family wanted to follow in their lead and help the Wildcats stay competitive in the Big Ten.
"We are so grateful for Pat and Shirley Ryan’s contributions to Northwestern and Chicago and want to follow their lead," said Liz and Dick Uihlein in a statement. "Northwestern is one of the nation's premier institutions, developing future leaders through its world-class academic programs, including the Kellogg School of Management.
"As multigenerational Chicagoans, we love this city and want to see it thrive. To us, Northwestern University is Chicago. Chicago loves sports and we need Wildcat Football to be competitive. We are pleased to support the university as it enters an exciting new era.”
The $35 million donation should help amid ballooning prices for Big Ten rosters. The conference has won the last three national championships. Ohio State and Oregon have deep pockets to fund College Football Playoff runs.
The Wildcats are coming off a 7-6 season in 2025, winning the GameAbove Sports Bowl over Central Michigan. Head coach David Braun is in his fourth season with Northwestern. He went 19-19 during his first three seasons with the program.
Northwestern has won eight Big Ten championships, with its last coming in 2000.
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