Aidan Chiles Leads Northwestern Past Rutgers 42-14

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, October 25, 2026

Aidan Chiles led Northwestern to a 42-14 win over Rutgers with three passing and two rushing touchdowns, helping the Wildcats improve to 6-1 and secure their best start since 2020. The victory boosts Northwestern's position in Big Ten play as they aim to sustain momentum without looking ahead to postseason hopes.

Aidan Chiles propelled Northwestern to a 42-14 victory over Rutgers on Saturday at Ryan Field in Evanston, marking the Wildcats’ fourth consecutive win. The No. 24 Wildcats improved their record to 6-1 overall and 3-1 in Big Ten play, achieving their best start since 2020.

Chiles delivered a standout performance, throwing for three touchdowns and rushing for two more. He completed 219 passing yards and added 83 yards on the ground, demonstrating his dual-threat capability for the third time this season. Northwestern capitalized on a fast start, scoring on their first three possessions and quickly building a 28-3 lead late in the first half.

Running back Caleb Komolafe contributed significantly with 150 rushing yards, highlighted by a 56-yard touchdown run. Wide receiver Griffin Wilde finished with nine catches for 133 yards and a touchdown, while Alex Honig and Drew Wagner also caught touchdown passes, helping to keep Rutgers off balance.

Rutgers faced challenges early when starting quarterback Dylan Lonergan left the game just over six minutes into the first quarter after suffering a head injury. He was replaced first by AJ Surace and later by third-string quarterback Sean Ashenfelder late in the third quarter. The Scarlet Knights managed to score 14 points, including a 46-yard rushing touchdown by Antwan Raymond, who rushed for 150 yards on 18 carries. This score was set up by the first interception Chiles has thrown this season. Kicker Dane Pizzaro added two field goals for Rutgers.

Northwestern coach David Braun praised the team’s urgency and execution at the outset of the game, crediting their ability to capitalize early as a key to their success. “There was urgency, there was focus, there was execution and it was a great way to start off,” Braun said.

Looking ahead, Braun emphasized the team’s focus on the present rather than on postseason possibilities. “This season does feel different,” he said. “For us to even acknowledge the bowl eligibility right now would distract us from what’s right in front of us.”

The Wildcats seek to maintain their momentum as the Big Ten schedule continues, aiming to build on their promising start to the season.

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