Tonight, the NCAA Division I FBS schools witnessed the rise of a new leader among all-time losses within its ranks in the form of Northwestern University. Following a 38-17 loss at USC, the Wildcats suffered the 716th defeat in the history of their football program to surpass the previous high of 715 held by the Indiana Hoosiers.
FINAL | #20 USC 38, Northwestern 17
— Northwestern Football (@NUFBFamily) November 8, 2025
Though not impossible, it seems unlikely that sole ownership of this record will swing back to its previous holder during the 2025-26 season. Northwestern still has a 5-4 winning record following its result against the Trojans, but must play a ranked Michigan team next week and will also have two remaining regular season games at home against Minnesota and on the road versus Illinois. Conversely, Indiana remains undefeated as the No. 2 overall team in college football and would not play another ranked team prior to the Big Ten Championship game.
As of Friday night, Rutgers at 701 all-time losses serves as the only other FBS program in league with the Wildcats and Hoosiers among schools with 700 or more defeats. That said, it would likely take several more doomed seasons for the Scarlet Knights to have a realistic chance of joining Indiana in competing with Northwestern for its new title.
The Wildcats will aim to avoid adding to their new high-mark when they face the Wolverines next weekend for Big Noon Kickoff. Even in the event Northwestern wins, Indiana can avoid re-tying the record with wins at Penn State tomorrow and when hosting Wisconsin next Saturday.
