Spring football rarely offers firm answers, but for NMU, Saturday’s open practice provided something just as valuable: a sense of direction.

Inside the Superior Dome, fans and family gathered for their first look at the 2026 Wildcats, a team still very much in formation but already showing signs of a new identity under head coach Matt Janus. The nearly two-hour session, followed by a team combine, served as both a progress report and a preview of what’s to come.

For the players, the evening was a chance to showcase months of work that often goes unseen. Much of the spring has been rooted in strength and conditioning, a foundation the coaching staff believes will define the program moving forward. Rising senior linebacker Jax Hertel emphasized that point, describing the offseason as a series of “building blocks,” with physical development at the center of everything.

That emphasis was visible throughout practice. Drills were sharp, tempo was consistent and the energy reflected a team growing more comfortable in a new system. With a new coaching staff installing both offensive and defensive schemes, the learning curve has been steep, but players noted the group is beginning to come together.

Janus, who took over the program after a highly successful run at Wisconsin-La Crosse, has focused this spring on establishing culture as much as scheme. His approach has been straightforward: demand consistency, especially in the weight room, and let that translate onto the field. By his own account, the team has responded, showing up each morning and embracing the grind that precedes the season.

Saturday’s open practice also offered a glimpse at how that work may translate in the fall. While the playbook remains a work in progress, the Wildcats displayed improved pace and physicality, particularly in competitive periods. The post-practice combine added another layer, giving players an opportunity to perform in front of a crowd and reinforcing the competitive environment Janus is trying to build.

Beyond the field, there is a quiet optimism surrounding the program. Northern enters 2026 coming off a three-win season, a modest total on paper but a meaningful step forward after winless stretches in the seasons prior. The Wildcats closed last season with back-to-back victories, including a dramatic four-overtime win over Davenport, providing a glimpse of what the program could become.

That momentum, combined with the arrival of a new head coach and the return of key contributors like All-American running back Noah Dobert, has created a renewed sense of hope. While roster turnover is part of any offseason, the blend of returning talent and developing players has given the Wildcats a foundation to build upon.

The road ahead will not be easy. Northern opens the season on August 27th at Minnesota State Moorhead before hosting Tiffin in its home opener on September 5. A challenging schedule, including matchups with national power Ferris State and rival Michigan Tech, will test the Wildcats early and often.

If Saturday’s open practice revealed anything, it is that Northern Michigan is embracing the process. The results will come later. For now, the focus remains on growth, identity, and the steady work of building something new.