The Northwestern Wildcats and their fans have witnessed stellar performances from numerous players so far this season.
Northwestern football is 3-0 and 20-plus point underdogs heading into Saturday's road game against the No.5 Indiana Hoosiers, giving coach David Braun's team a chance to pull an upset for the ages in Bloomington.
The Wildcats entered the season with hopes of transforming their program behind an infusion of resources, including the new Ryan Field stadium opening on Oct. 2, and new pieces led by transfer quarterback Aidan Chiles and offensive coordinator Chip Kelly.
So far, Chiles and the rest of the team's coaches and players have been as advertised, and then some. Three Northwestern players have climbed their way toward the top of the FBS statistical leaderboards in four categories, giving fans hope for continued success against Big Ten level competition.
Nov 22, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Northwestern Wildcats defensive back Josh Fussell (13) celebrates after tackling Minnesota Golden Gophers wide receiver Le’Meke Brockington (not pictured) during the first half at Wrigley Field. Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images Fussell, Chiles Among FBS Leaders
Defensive back Josh Fussell, quarterback Aidan Chiles and running back Joseph Himon II are among FBS leaders heading into the weekend according to Charlie Spungin of Northwestern Athletics.
Himon II ranks first nationally with 14.4 yards per carry, coming off of a brilliant 128-yard, three touchdown performance that earned him a new nickname.
Fussell is tied for the FBS lead in pass break-ups with five so far on the season, and will likely draw the tough assignment of guarding Indiana Hoosiers star Charlie Becker this Saturday, especially with one of Northwestern's best defensive backs, Braden Turner, listed as doubtful for the game.
Chiles, meanwhile, is ranked eighth nationally in pass yards per attempt with 11.2. His passer rating of 189.9 ranks him 10th nationally, coming off of a 241-yard, three-touchdown effort vs. Colorado.
Northwestern's rising star trio will be tested in new ways this coming Saturday against coach Curt Cignetti's Hoosiers, a chance for each player to show the Wildcats' undefeated start is not a fluke.
McGarigle Defense Among FBS Leaders
Defensive coordinator Tim McGarigle has been overshadowed a bit since Kelly took over the Wildcats' offense, but his unit has come through with flying colors so far through three games.
The Wildcats have held opponents South Dakota State and Colorado to 18 and 7 points, respectively, placing McGarigle's defense at 12.5 points allowed per game, good for 20th among all FBS teams.
Next up are games against the Hoosiers and No. 13 Penn State Nittany Lions, teams with strong offenses that are loaded with high level NFL prospects. The Hoosiers have scored 52, 55, and 38 points in their first three games, giving McGarigle and his assistants plenty to think about in the film study room while game-planning this week.
Penn State has scored 45, 27 and 55 points in three dominant wins to start the season, representing a team with a prime opportunity to spoil the new Ryan Field opener.
Will Northwestern's FBS stat leaders come back down to Earth in the coming weeks, or stay near the top? The former seems a lot more likely, but each player and coach will have ample opportunities to prevent it from happening.
