College football season is rapidly approaching, with fall camp opening in early August. We’re going through Indiana’s schedule to look ahead at all 12 opponents for 2026.
- Opponent: Northwestern
- Date/Time/TV: Friday, September 25, 8 p.m.; FOX
- Location: Memorial Stadium, Bloomington, Ind.
- 2025 record/postseason result: 7-6, 4-5 Big Ten (34-7 win over Central Michigan in the GameAbove Sports Bowl)
- Overall returning production: 57 percent (per Bill Connelly/ESPN) (44th in the country, 12th in the Big Ten)
Returning production, offense: 57 percent (per Bill Connelly/ESPN) (59th in the country)
Offensive outlook: Head coach David Braun made a splashy hire at offensive coordinator, replacing Zach Lujan with Chip Kelly in the offseason. Kelly spent last season as offensive coordinator for the Las Vegas Raiders, until his firing in mid-November. He served as OC and quarterbacks coach at Ohio State in 2024, helping the Buckeyes win a national championship. Kelly’s offenses are known for being fast-paced, and using that speed to disguise what’s happening.
That system could make for a good fit with Michigan State transfer Aidan Chiles at quarterback. Chiles had a tumultuous two-year run with the Spartans, including a midseason benching last year. He had plenty of moments where he flashed potential, but he was inconsistent and mistake-prone on an already-struggling team. He’ll need to polish his game more — his 63.1 completion percentage for 1,392 yards last season would not allow Northwestern’s offense to be competitive this year, nor would his 11 interceptions as a sophomore in 2024. But Chiles rushed for six touchdowns last season, and provided a tangible threat on the ground. His playing style, if sharpened around the edges, could work well in this offense. In 2022, Kelly’s UCLA team finished fourth in the nation in total offense behind quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson. Chiles has work to do to reach that caliber, but he may not need to replicate what DTR did for the Bruins.
Northwestern has four of its five leading receivers back from last season, including All-Big Ten third-team selection Griffin Wilde. He finished third in the Big Ten with 71 receptions on the season, for 880 yards (sixth in the conference) and seven touchdowns (tied for seventh). Secondary option Hayden Eligon II caught 37 passes for 51 yards and three touchdowns last year. Of the Wildcats’ 17 receiving touchdowns last season, they bring back the players responsible for 14 of them.
NU also returns its two leading rushers from 2025. Caleb Komolafe enjoyed a really strong season for the Wildcats, with 941 yards (eighth in the Big Ten) on 190 carries with 11 touchdowns (eighth). Joseph Himon II was productive behind him, with 486 yards on 99 carries with one touchdown. And the team added Gavin Sawchuk out of the transfer portal from Florida State to further augment the backfield. He rushed for 486 yards on 109 carries with eight touchdowns last season; in 2023, with Oklahoma, he put up 744 yards on 120 carries with nine touchdowns.
Northwestern finished last season 10th in the nation in PFF pass-blocking grade, and 19th in run-blocking. But the Wildcats turn over most of their offensive line from 2025, with Ezomo Oratokhai the lone returning starter.
Returning production, defense: 58 percent (per Bill Connelly/ESPN) (43rd in the country)
Defensive outlook: Northwestern’s defense was solid in 2025, finishing 31st in the country in total defense (329.8 yards per game allowed). The Wildcats ranked 30th in passing defense and 48th in rushing defense, providing nice balance. They struggled to rack up sacks and tackles for loss, though.
Braun and defensive coordinator Ted McGarigle are replacing some key pieces up front this season. Aidan Hubbard exhausted his eligibility and went to the NFL, while Anto Saka transferred to Texas A&M. Michael Kilbane (7.5 TFLs, 3.5 sacks, team-high eight QB hurries, one pass breakup) will need to take on a larger role this season in their absence. Watch for former four-star recruit and Ohio State transfer Dominic Kirks as well.
Three of Northwestern’s four leading tacklers from 2025 return, including safety Robert Fitzgerald (team-high 115 total tackles, second in the Big Ten). Nickel back Braden Turner, who finished fourth in tackles, posted a solid 79 overall grade on PFF, along with an 83.9 mark in coverage. Turner was a playmaker last year, with two interceptions and two forced fumbles — and he ran one of those fumbles back for a touchdown.
Oklahoma transfer Kobie McKinzie (6.5 TFLs, four QB hurries) could be a nice addition at linebacker.
Special teams outlook: Bowling Green transfer Jackson Kleather will take over placekicking after going 19 for 22 on field goals and 26 for 26 on extra points last year with the Falcons. Redshirt freshman Nikola Dugandzic appears set to assume punting duties, which will be his first collegiate game action. Himon served as primary kickoff returner last year, averaging 26.2 yards per return. But both returner jobs could be up for grabs in fall camp.
Overall Outlook: Much of Northwestern’s successes or failures will come down to Chiles and the offensive line. If Chiles doesn’t improve and is the same inconsistent quarterback who struggled at Michigan State, NU’s ceiling will be limited and its floor will be lower than the Evanston, Illinois fan base is hoping. Additionally, the defensive line needs to avoid a step back without Hubbard and Saka. The Wildcats will have limited margin for error with a tough schedule, as well — they face IU, Penn State, Oregon, Iowa, and Ohio State, along with their rivalry game against Illinois. But if things break right, this could be a better team than expected.
Previous Outlooks:
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