Michael Kilbane and Braden Turner earned PFF Team of the Week honors after helping Northwestern’s defense dominate Colorado in a 41-7 victory.
Two Northwestern defensive stars earned recognition from Pro Football Focus after standout performances in the Wildcats’ dominant 41-7 victory over Colorado.
Senior defensive lineman Michael Kilbane was named to PFF’s National Team of the Week, while defensive back Braden Turner earned a spot on the Big Ten Team of the Week. PFF’s weekly awards recognize the top individual performances from around the country, giving Northwestern another pair of players earning recognition from national analysts early in the 2026 season.
Kilbane made an immediate impact in his season debut after missing Northwestern’s 34-18 win over South Dakota State with an injury. The 6-foot-5 senior finished the Colorado game with six tackles, including four solo stops, a tackle for loss and a forced fumble.
His forced fumble came with just under five minutes remaining in the first quarter and was recovered by Robert Fitzgerald, giving Northwestern possession in Colorado territory. The Wildcats turned the takeaway into the first points of the game on Aidan Chiles’ 1-yard rushing touchdown.
Kilbane’s return gave Northwestern another proven playmaker along the defensive line. He entered the season as a 2025 All-Big Ten honorable mention selection and was one of nine returning Wildcats who had previously earned All-Big Ten honors. Head coach David Braun’s defense now has Kilbane back in the lineup as Northwestern enters Big Ten play.
Turner also continued his strong start to the season against Colorado. The veteran defensive back intercepted Colorado quarterback Julian Lewis in the second quarter, giving Northwestern the ball at the Colorado 18-yard line. Two plays later, Chiles connected with Joseph Himon II for an 18-yard touchdown, extending the Wildcats’ lead to 14-0. It was Turner’s third career interception.
Sep 19, 2026; Evanston, Illinois, USA; The Northwestern Wildcats take the field against the Colorado Buffaloes at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn ImagesThe interception was another example of Turner’s impact in the secondary. In Northwestern’s season opener against South Dakota State, Turner recorded three pass breakups as part of a defensive effort that produced 13 pass breakups, the most in a game by the program since at least 2004.
Through two games, Northwestern’s defense has already forced five turnovers while allowing just 25 points. The unit forced four turnovers against Colorado, helping the Wildcats build a 21-0 halftime lead and eventually pull away for their first 2-0 start under head coach David Braun.
The recognition for Kilbane and Turner also continues a growing trend of Northwestern players receiving attention from national analysts. The Wildcats entered the season with nine returning All-Big Ten players, including both Kilbane and Turner, and the early production from the veteran-heavy defense is beginning to match the expectations surrounding the group.
With Northwestern now preparing for its first Big Ten game of the season against No. 5 Indiana on Friday, Sept. 25, Kilbane and Turner will be two of the experienced defensive pieces the Wildcats will rely on against one of the conference’s top teams.
