The Wildcats played their home games at Ryan Field in Evanston, Illinois and competed in the West Division of the Big Ten Conference.

The team won their next four games, including wins over ranked opponents Michigan State and Wisconsin, before falling to Notre Dame, which secured a winless non-conference slate.

In the 2018 Big Ten Football Championship Game, they lost to East Division champion Ohio State 45–24.

Thorson, a fourth-year starter, finished his career as the school's all-time leading passer.

On defense, linebacker Blake Gallagher led the Big Ten in total tackles with 127.