The Northwestern Wildcats football program received a major boost this week with the announcement that SMU quarterback Preston Stone will be transferring to the school for the 2025 season. Stone, who started the last two seasons for the Mustangs, entered the transfer portal earlier this month but remained with SMU through their College Football Playoff appearance.
The addition of Stone provides Northwestern with a proven veteran passer as they look to revitalize an offense that struggled mightily in 2024. The Wildcats ranked a dismal 110th nationally in passing, mustering only seven touchdown throws during a disappointing 4-8 campaign.
A New Beginning for Northwestern
Stone’s arrival in Evanston signals a fresh start for a Northwestern aerial attack that failed to take flight last season. Rising sophomore Jack Lausch handled starting duties for the final 10 games but failed to provide the spark the Wildcats desperately needed.
In Stone, Northwestern gains a polished passer coming off two highly productive seasons leading the SMU offense. The junior started the Mustangs’ first 12 games in 2023, racking up 3,197 yards and 28 touchdowns against only six interceptions en route to an AAC championship game appearance.
Stats Showcase Stone’s Talent
A deeper dive into Stone’s numbers paints the picture of a quarterback poised to make an immediate impact in the Big Ten:
- 68.3% – Stone’s completion percentage in 2023
- 8.7 – Yards per pass attempt, displaying his downfield proficiency
- 4.7:1 – Stone’s stellar touchdown-to-interception ratio last season
While a late-season leg injury cut his 2023 campaign short, Stone returned healthy to open the 2024 season as SMU’s starter before giving way to Kevin Jennings. Even in limited action, Stone’s accuracy and sound decision-making were evident.
A Proven Power Conference Performer
Questions will undoubtedly arise about how Stone’s skills will translate from the AAC to the rigors of Big Ten play. But a closer examination of his track record should quell any doubts.
In his lone start against Power Five opposition, Stone rose to the occasion, carving up TCU for 351 yards and three scores in a narrow defeat. SMU also squared off against a Big 12 foe in West Virginia, with Stone leading the Mustangs to a convincing 42-31 road victory.
Preston never shied away from the big stage. The tougher the opponent, the more he excelled. His poise and execution against top competition convinced us he has what it takes to thrive in the Big Ten.
– Northwestern Head Coach Pat Fitzgerald
Stone Provides Instant Experience
While Northwestern does return both Lausch and Mike Wright next season, Stone brings invaluable starting experience to a quarterback room decidedly light on seasoning. With 22 collegiate starts under his belt, Stone can serve as both a mentor and competitor.
That veteran presence could prove vital as Northwestern navigates a treacherous Big Ten schedule in 2025. Road trips to Ohio State, Penn State and Wisconsin await, along with a visit from Michigan. Having a battle-tested signal caller like Stone could pay major dividends against the conference’s heavyweights.
The Road Ahead for the Wildcats
There are certainly no guarantees in the high-stakes world of college football. But the addition of Preston Stone unquestionably provides a jolt of optimism for a Northwestern program that finds itself in transition.
As spring practice looms, all eyes will be fixated on the quarterback competition in Evanston. Stone’s substantial pedigree makes him the presumptive favorite to seize the starting role. Should he meet those lofty expectations, the Wildcats’ outlook for 2025 brightens considerably.
One personnel move certainly doesn’t erase all the question marks facing Northwestern football entering the 2025 campaign. The defense remains a work in progress, the receiving corps lacks a proven playmaker, and depth issues persist across the roster.
But at the game’s most important position, the Wildcats suddenly boast a potential difference-maker, an elite talent capable of elevating the play of those around him. For a fanbase desperate for a return to Big Ten relevance, Preston Stone’s arrival provides genuine reason for hope on the shores of Lake Michigan.
