Wildcat running backs Caleb Komolafe and Joseph Himon II combined for 350 rushing yards as Northwestern beat Penn State, 34-13, to advance to 3-1 on the season.
The grand opening of Northwestern's $875 million football stadium couldn't have gone much better.
Northwestern broke in the New Ryan Field in a big way on Friday night. One hundred years to the day since the program's previous stadium debuted, the Wildcats ran all over Penn State to win their first game on their new field, 34-13.
With its first Big Ten win of the season, Northwestern advanced to 3-1 (1-1 B1G) on the season. Penn State fell to 3-2 (0-2 B1G).
Led by Caleb Komolafe's 188 rushing yards and Joseph Himon II's 162, Northwestern ran wild for 413 yards and four touchdowns on the ground. The Wildcats never trailed and won the time-of-possession battle by nearly 12 minutes. David Braun's group outgained Penn State in total yardage, 506 to 291.
Quarterback Aidan Chiles had a stress-free day, completing 10 of his 14 passes for 93 yards. The senior also added a score with his legs.
Oct 2, 2026; Evanston, Illinois, USA; Northwestern Wildcats quarterback Aidan Chiles (0) runs the ball for a touchdown against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the first quarter at New Ryan Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images Northwestern's offense was a well-oiled machine on the game's opening drive. Chiles completed three of his four passes, while Komolafe and Gavin Sawchuk combined to rumble for 37 yards on just five carries. However, the drive stalled out in enemy territory when Chiles was sacked on third down. Jackson Kleather converted on a 50-yard field goal to officially score the first points at the New Ryan Field.
The momentum stayed with the Wildcats. After Northwestern forced a Penn State punt, Himon broke free for a 47-yard run up the middle of the field that brought the 'Cats to the four-yard line. Chiles punched it in two plays later on a two-yard touchdown that prompted a firework launch from the stadium roof.
Penn State's offense was stopped several times by the Wildcats, but got an opportunity off a turnover early in the second quarter. The Nittany Lions initially appeared to earn an interception, though the takeaway was overturned by pass interference. On the ensuing play, Sawchuk fumbled the handoff from Chiles and Penn State's Josiah Zayas pounced on it.
The Nittany Lions subsequently rushed the ball five consecutive times, resulting in an eight-yard touchdown from Carson Hansen to cut Penn State's deficit to 10-7.
Northwestern struck back quickly, as Himon bolted up the middle for a 36-yard gain. Two plays later, Himon scampered 38 yards to the end zone, giving him three 30-plus-yard rushes on just four total carries.
The Wildcats' rushing attack kept rumbling on their next drive, and it took only two plays to find the end zone. After Drew Wagner's punt return put NU at the 35-yard-line, Komolafe ran for 24 yards before Himon took the ball 11 yards for the score.
With 20 seconds to go before halftime, Penn State kicker Ryan Barker hooked a 45-yard field goal attempt wide right. Northwestern took a 24-7 lead into the break.
Northwestern's offense continued to dominate in the second half. The Wildcats marched down the field once more, and even though they ended up turning the ball over on fourth down at the 17-yard-line, NU scored another touchdown on the following drive. Komolafe eclipsed 160 rushing yards and dove into the end zone, giving the 'Cats a 31-7 advantage over the team that was ranked No. 13 in the nation last week.
Linebacker Braydon Brus picked off Penn State quarterback Rocco Becht for his first interception of the year, but Kleather missed the kick that would have capitalized on the Nittany Lions' mistake. Becht eventually found receiver Chase Sowell for a 16-yard touchdown to make the score 31-13.
Northwestern will look to follow up its impressive debut at the New Ryan Field next Saturday, when the Wildcats host Ball State in their homecoming game.
