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- calendar_today October 10, 2026
Northwestern Dominates Ball State in Non-Conference Matchup
On October 10, 2026, the Northwestern Wildcats improved their record to 4-1 after a commanding 45-14 win over Ball State at Ryan Field in Evanston. The Wildcats were led by quarterback Aidan Chiles, whose dual-threat skills helped power the team to a decisive victory in their second game at their newly renovated home stadium.
Aidan Chiles Shines With Three Passing Touchdowns
Aidan Chiles, a 6-4 senior transfer from Michigan State, delivered a standout performance for the Wildcats. Chiles threw for 272 yards and three touchdowns on 17-of-23 passing. In addition to his passing success, he also ran in another touchdown, marking the second time this season he has passed for three scores in a single game. Chiles has now totaled nine passing touchdowns and six rushing touchdowns for the season, establishing himself as a key offensive force for Northwestern football.
Wildcats Build Early Lead With Offensive and Defensive Plays
Northwestern quickly established momentum, scoring on its first four drives of the ball state game. Griffin Wilde pulled in a 17-yard touchdown pass from Chiles, finishing the game with 144 receiving yards and his third touchdown of the season. Drew Wagner and Alex Honig also contributed by catching touchdown passes.
Caleb Komolafe added a 14-yard rushing touchdown early in the second quarter to extend the Wildcats' lead. On defense, Robert Fitzgerald intercepted a pass from Ball State's Keldric Luster and returned it 15 yards for a touchdown, stretching Northwestern's advantage further. Jackson Kleather contributed a 52-yard field goal to round out the scoring in the first half.
Ball State Responds but Struggles to Keep Pace
Ball State, now 1-5 for the season, showed flashes of competitiveness in their second meeting with a Big Ten football opponent this season. Keldric Luster passed for 209 yards and completed a 2-yard touchdown to Jamarion McDougle as time expired in the first half. TJ Horton added a 1-yard rushing touchdown midway through the second quarter, putting points on the board for the Cardinals after a 75-yard drive.
Despite these efforts, the Cardinals could not match Northwestern's offensive outburst. The Wildcats led 31-14 at halftime, buoyed by a combination of efficient scoring drives and opportunistic defensive plays.
Second Half: Wildcats Maintain Control
Northwestern continued its pressure in the second half. The defense stopped a Ball State punt formation sneak early in the third quarter, leading to a quick 12-yard touchdown pass from Chiles to Wagner. Although a punt return by Wagner for a touchdown was nullified by penalties, Northwestern engineered a 10-play, 99-yard drive culminating in a 32-yard touchdown pass from Chiles to Honig.
With these northwestern touchdowns, the Wildcats pulled ahead 45-14, sealing the outcome and providing another highlight in the college football score column for Wildcats football fans.
Takeaways and Looking Ahead
Ball State: Ball State showed some resilience against a tough Big Ten opponent but ultimately fell short, having already suffered a heavy loss to Ohio State earlier in the season.
Northwestern: The quarterback performance by Aidan Chiles and the balanced attack on both sides of the ball highlighted the team’s depth and adaptability. The Wildcats will turn their attention back to conference play as they prepare to face Michigan State on October 17.
Next Games: Ball State will travel to face Bowling Green, while Northwestern heads to Michigan State to continue their Big Ten football campaign.
Source: chicago.suntimes.com.
