FINAL: Northwestern 19, Purdue 0

Northwestern advances to 5-2 (3-1 Big Ten) and one win away from the postseason with a victory over Purdue (2-5, 0-4 Big Ten). The Wildcats' defense was outstanding and forced three second-half turnovers, but Northwestern's offense sputtered with several opportunities to end the game quicker.

Final Stats:

Preston Stone: 11-for-26, 132 passing yards, 2 TDs, INT
Joseph Himon II: 22 carries, 87 rushing yards
Caleb Komolafe: 12 carries, 67 rushing yards
Dashun Reeder: 5 carries, 51 yards, fumble
Griffin Wilde: 4 catches, 47 receiving yards, TD
Hayden Eligon II: 2 catches, 43 receiving yards

Q4 2:21: Northwestern 19, Purdue 0

Jack Olsen's 26-yard field goal is no good. The 'Cats have zero points off of three Purdue turnovers this half.

Q4 6:22: Northwestern 19, Purdue 0

The Wildcats' defense has not broken this half despite Purdue's pressure, but Stone and the offense have not helped them out. Northwestern has turned the ball over twice on the drives immediately following a Purdue fumble and an interception.

Q4 11:53: Northwestern 19, Purdue 0

Northwestern comes away with a huge break by forcing the fumble on a deep pass by Purdue, but Dashun Reeder coughs it up on what looked to be a promising drive. NU's defense has stifled Purdue so far, but the Boilermakers have found small successes with backup QB Malachi Singleton.

Q4 14:00: Northwestern 19, Purdue 0

After stuffing Purdue on fourth down, Northwestern takes over to start the final quarter. Quarterback Preston Stone has returned to the field, but the 'Cats punt to open the fourth.

Running back Caleb Komolafe is DOUBTFUL to return with an upper body injury.

Q3 4:01: Northwestern 19, Purdue 0

Preston Stone finds Griffin Wilde for a perfectly placed touchdown, extending Northwestern's lead to three touchdowns. The two-point conversion attempt was no good, and Stone appeared to come up limping after the pass. NU's quarterback was favoring his right leg as he ran off the field, but did not go into the medical tent.

Q3 11:35: Northwestern 13, Purdue 0

Purdue starting quarterback Ryan Browne has left the game after being crushed by Brendan Flakes and Josh Fussell. Backup Malachi Singleton took his place, but the Boilermakers ultimately were forced to punt.

Also, some men's basketball news:

HALF: Northwestern 13, Purdue 0

Aside from the failed fourth down trick play, Northwestern executed a clean, dominant first half against the Boilermakers. The 'Cats have 203 total yards to Purdue's 57 and have held the ball for over 22 minutes.

Q2: 2:00: Northwestern 13, Purdue 0

Northwestern has a great opportunity here to really put Purdue to bed with a touchdown before the half. The 'Cats have settled for field goals twice in the red zone so far, and a 16-0 deficit would certainly not be insurmountable for the Boilermakers.

Q2 8:38: Northwestern 13, Purdue 0

Jack Olsen makes his second field goal today, giving the 'Cats a 13-0 lead. Northwestern has scored on all three drives, reaching the red zone each time.

Joseph Himon II: 11 rushes, 35 yards
Caleb Komolafe: 6 rushes, 34 yards

Q2 10:42: Northwestern 10, Purdue 0

The Wildcats just forced a second Purdue punt on as many drives, and are currently outgaining the Boilermakers, 115 to 32.

Q2 13:13: Northwestern 10, Purdue 0

A defensive pass interference call on fourth down may have bailed out the 'Cats, but Northwestern is able to capitalize with a four-yard touchdown pass to Hunter Welcing. The Wildcats have moved the ball on Purdue's defense to start, especially on the ground.

End Q1: Northwestern 3, Purdue 0

Northwestern has a fourth down opportunity coming up from the 32-yard line. The 'Cats will need five yards to continue the drive.

Q1 7:45 Northwestern 3, Purdue 0

The Wildcats' run game drove them right down the field, but NU stalled in the red zone. A questionable read-option between backup QB Ryan Boe and freshman TE/FB Robby Preckel went nowhere on third down, and Northwestern was forced to settle for a field goal from the nine.

Pregame

Northwestern is donning all-black alternate uniforms to honor the 30th anniversary of its 1995 Rose Bowl team. Former Wildcats head coach Pat Fitzgerald is in attendance at an NU game for the first time since he was fired in the summer of 2023.

The Game

Purdue (2-4, 0-3 Big Ten) @ Northwestern (4-2, 2-1 Big Ten)
Kickoff: 2:00 p.m. CT on Saturday, October 18, 2025
Location: Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium | Evanston, Ill.
TV: Big Ten Network | Radio: WGN Radio 720, WNUR Sports 89.3 FM
Line: Northwestern -3.5

Injury Report

Northwestern OUT: 

• Tito Williams Jr.
• Matthew Smith
• Tate Crane
• Matt Keeler
• Jace Borcherding
• Trey Boyd
• Braden Blueitt
• Migo Jackson
• Braxton Strong
• Cam Porter (Season)
• Yannis Karlaftis (Season)
• Jalen Lewis (Season)
• Dylan Roberts (Season)

Northwestern QUESTIONABLE:

• Robert Fitzgerald

Purdue OUT:

• Chauncey Magwood
• De'Nylon Morrissette
• Marques Easley
• George Burhenn
• Jalil Hall (Season)
• TJ Lindsey (Season)