College Football: 14 Power 5 teams who will never win a national title

Oct 17, 2015; Evanston, IL, USA; Northwestern Wildcats quarterback Clayton Thorson (18) drops back to pass during the first half against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Ryan Field. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports

Northwestern Wildcats

All-Time Program Record: 503–642–44

At one time, the Wildcats were the joke of the college football world, going 1-31-1 in three seasons between 1979-1981. Things have certainly improved in Evanston, but this is still a program that’s a long way from being a contender of any kind.

The Wildcats do have eight conference titles in their history, the latest coming in 2000, and have a 2-9 postseason bowl record. Those are about the most impressive numbers you can cite about a program with a lot of struggles.

Playing in  the Big Ten, and recruiting against programs like Ohio State, Notre Dame, and even Illinois make it really difficult for Northwestern to have any sustained success. More conference titles are possible, but they’re not going to sit in the big chair.

Next: Purdue