Northwestern has one of the most explosive offenses in WI this season. Doesn’t matter the school size. They have absolute dudes ready to attack on the ground and through the air. With that said, the x factor on this team in on defense. DE Gage Nollet Gage Nollet 6'0" | 210 lbs | EDGE/TE Northwestern | 2026 State WI has been a force on the edge. He is so disruptive in the backfield and powerful at setting the edge. Their opponent, Mayville, is a monster at running the ball so Gage and the rest of the front seven need to be at their best to take control of this game. Gage is coming off a great game and they will need more of the same to have success.

Stats: 11 Tackles, 3 TFLs

Even while playing around 210 lbs the senior DE out of Northwestern dominated Friday night with how strong and stout he was on the edge. Over and over we see him stand up OTs with his lower body strength and shove them aside with his strong upper body. Gage can go from that stout play to pursuing the ball very quickly, closing violently. The senior can also go from power to speed/range and fly through gaps and make tackles across the formation for a loss. When he gets a free release he closes like he is shot out of a cannon. I’m fired up to watch Gage and this Northwestern roster on Thursday!

Stats: 7 Tackles, 4 TFLs, 3 Sacks, 2 FFs

If you want to see some elite production then you need to check out Northwestern’s Gage Nollet Gage Nollet 6'0" | 210 lbs | EDGE/TE Northwestern | 2026 State WI . The DE was extremely impactful thanks to his physical tools. The senior has range, a powerful first step, and was able to turn that initial burst into violent power. Gage did a great job of setting the edge against the run. He was able to stand up OTs and TEs with his initial contact and could use the space that initial strike created to then make the tackle. Gage’s hand use flashed on several reps as he was able to stay clean of the OT on his way into the backfield. Gage might be undersized, but he has found ways to consistently effect games.