Northwestern football has a big fan in State Representative Emanuel Welch.
Northwestern football announced itself loud and clear to the college football world on Saturday night with a 41-7 win over Colorado that showed the best of coach David Braun's program.
The game was the final one at the temporary lakefront stadium known as Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium, which produced countless memories for fans since it debuted in August 2024.
Following the game, an Illinois state representative shared his memories of the field in a heartfelt post that said a lot about the way the night went for Northwestern.
Sep 19, 2026; Evanston, Illinois, USA; Northwestern Wildcats wide receiver Ricky Ahumaraeze (10) gestures after getting a first down against the Colorado Buffaloes during the second half at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium. Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images Saying Goodbye to Lakefront Football
Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives Emanuel "Chris" Welch said goodbye to lakefront football in a heartfelt post.
"What a way to say goodbye to football on the lakefront!" he wrote in a widely viewed X post.
"A 41-7 Wildcat WIN over Colorado — and I got to enjoy it as a proud Northwestern alum, former Wildcat baseball player, and now Speaker of the Illinois House...Full-circle moments. Great memories. One BIG final win on the lakefront. Next stop: Ryan Field," he added along with choice photos.
Welch is now expected to take his Northwestern fandom to the Wildcats' new $875 million stadium, which has been hailed as a revolutionary project that will create one of the loudest and most unique standing-room only student sections in the United States.
Braun called the new Ryan Field the "best stadium in football" and it could become a trendsetter that will soften the blow of Northwestern leaving its suddenly familiar lakeside digs.
Four Turnovers Make the Difference
Welch witnessed a game that swung on several different factors, chief among them turnovers as Northwestern forced four from Colorado while only giving up one on their end.
The Wildcats also possessed the ball behind an efficient offensive attack that included 182 rushing yards. Chip Kelly's offense held the ball for 36-plus minutes while the Buffaloes only had it for a little over 23 minutes.
Colorado quarterback Julian Lewis' production throwing the football was nearly halved from last week against Weber State as he threw for just 168 yards one week after amassing 366 yards.
Braden Turner and Ore Adeyi both intercepted Lewis, setting the tone for a complete performance on both sides of the ball from coach David Braun's team.
Northwestern is riding high heading into next week's road game in Bloomington against the defending national champion Indiana Hoosiers, who are currently ranked fourth in the AP Top 25. Going from the Buffaloes to the Hoosiers will be a massive step up in competition, but Braun's team looks ready as one of the most exciting eras in Wildcats football is set to continue.
