Northwestern running back Caleb Komolafe is preparing for a pivotal season under new offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, aiming to build on a breakout 2025 campaign. Komolafe, who rushed for 941 yards and 11 touchdowns on 190 carries last year, credited the strong camaraderie in the locker room and the coaching staff’s leadership as key reasons for his decision to remain with the Wildcats despite opportunities to transfer.
Komolafe’s increased role followed an injury to starting running back Cam Porter early in the 2025 season. He responded with four 100-yard rushing games and a five yards-per-carry average, showcasing growth in his decisiveness and game understanding. Head coach David Braun highlighted Komolafe’s consistent work ethic, both during and outside of practice, as essential to his development into an All-Big Ten caliber player.
Braun also expressed optimism about the running back room depth, which includes returning player Joseph Himon II, who contributed 486 yards last season, and newcomer Gavin Sawchuk. Sawchuk transferred from Florida State after rushing for 486 yards and eight touchdowns last year, and had a 744-yard season at Oklahoma in 2023. Braun emphasized that success in the Big Ten will require contributions from multiple backs, a mentality reinforced by running backs coach Aristotle Thompson, who fosters a supportive environment emphasizing collective success.
Kelly’s arrival as offensive coordinator brings optimism to a Northwestern offense that struggled in 2025, ranking 96th nationally with 346.1 yards and 23.4 points per game. The team averaged 160.2 rushing yards per game, placing them 65th. Northwestern’s quarterback room saw changes, with the addition of Aidan Chiles, a transfer from Michigan State who started eight games last season. Nicco Marchiol, formerly of West Virginia, also transferred in but missed the 2025 season due to injury. While Chiles is viewed as the likely starter, Braun withheld naming a definitive starter ahead of training camp.
With less than a month before the September 5 opener against South Dakota State, Northwestern’s staff and players express confidence in their upward trajectory. The team anticipates the opening of the renovated Ryan Field on October 2 as an added boost.
Braun framed the season’s goals ambitiously, citing aspirations for a Big Ten championship, hosting a College Football Playoff game, and contending for a national title. Komolafe echoed that sentiment, rejecting a mindset focused merely on bowl eligibility and advocating for an undefeated season and major postseason ambitions.
As Northwestern ushers in a new era under Kelly’s guidance, Komolafe and the Wildcats aim to transform early-season questions about staying and performance into proof of the program’s growing competitiveness.