Here are three things to expect when Northwestern faces Indiana
Northwestern will take on Indiana on Friday, Sept. 25, at 7:30 p.m. CT on FOX in its first Big Ten game of the season. The Wildcats enter Bloomington 2-0 after a dominant win over Colorado, but they face a top-five Hoosiers team that has been dominant through the first three games. Here are three things to expect from Friday night’s matchup
1. Expect Heavy Pressure From Indiana’s Defense
One of the biggest challenges for Northwestern will be dealing with Indiana’s defensive front. The Hoosiers have two key edge players back in Stephen Daley and Kellan Wyatt, who both missed significant time last season because of injuries. Daley recorded 19 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks in 13 games last season, while Wyatt had eight tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks in seven games.
Indiana’s defense has also been dominant through the first three games of the season, allowing just 16 total points and recording two straight shutouts. The Hoosiers have been aggressive up front, and head coach Curt Cignetti has emphasized the importance of stopping Northwestern’s rushing attack while containing Aidan Chiles when he drops back.
That could put pressure on Northwestern’s offensive line and running backs to win their individual matchups. If Indiana can consistently get into the backfield, Chiles could be forced to make quick decisions against an aggressive defense.
2. Expect Chip Kelly to Let Aidan Chiles Sling It
The matchup could create an opportunity for Chip Kelly to put the ball in Chiles’ hands more often.
Northwestern opened as a 23.5-point underdog against Indiana, although that number has since moved. If the Wildcats find themselves playing from behind, the game script could naturally lead to more passing opportunities for Chiles.
That does not mean Northwestern should abandon the running game. Indiana’s defense has specifically identified stopping the run as a priority, with Cignetti noting that Northwestern has been around 66% run-to-pass through two games.
But when Northwestern does go to the air, Kelly has a quarterback who has already shown he can make plays downfield.
Chiles has completed 31 of 46 passes for 514 yards and four touchdowns without an interception through two games. He also accounted for five touchdowns in the 41-7 win over Colorado, including three passing touchdowns and two rushing scores.
The key will be letting Chiles play freely while still protecting the football. He has shown that he can extend plays, make throws downfield and use his legs when a play breaks down. Against Indiana, Northwestern will need that playmaking ability without giving the Hoosiers extra possessions through turnovers.
Sep 5, 2026; Evanston, Illinois, USA; Northwestern Wildcats offensive coordinator Chip Kelly looks on before a game against the South Dakota State Jackrabbits at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images3. Expect a Ball-Hunting Northwestern Defense
If Northwestern wants to stay in the game against a top-five Indiana team, creating turnovers could be one of its biggest opportunities.
The Wildcats have already forced five turnovers through two games and enter Friday with a plus-four turnover margin. They forced four turnovers against Colorado, turning those takeaways into 17 points.
That aggressive mindset should carry into Bloomington.
Northwestern’s defense can expect to attack Indiana quarterback Josh Hoover, pressure him into difficult throws and swarm to the football. Indiana has been extremely efficient with the ball this season, so Northwestern will need to create the kind of short-field opportunities that can change the momentum of a game.
David Braun has emphasized the challenge of playing Indiana on the road, but he has also praised how his team has approached preparation. He said Northwestern needs to focus on what it can control and take the game one moment at a time.
That mentality could be especially important on Friday. Northwestern cannot afford to wait until the second half to find its intensity. From the opening snap through the final whistle, the Wildcats will need to play with the same aggression and attention to detail that helped them start the season 2-0.
The Bottom Line
Northwestern enters Bloomington with its first Big Ten test of the season and a significant challenge against a team that has dominated its first three games.
Indiana’s defensive pressure, Chiles’ ability to operate Kelly’s offense and Northwestern’s ability to create turnovers could all play major roles in how the matchup unfolds.
The Wildcats have already shown they can make explosive plays on both sides of the ball. Now, they get their first opportunity to do it against a top-five opponent on the road.
Friday night will show how Northwestern’s 2-0 start translates to Big Ten play.
