Northwestern holds off South Dakota State rally in Chip Kelly's debut
Northwestern opened Chip Kelly’s era with a 34-18 win over FCS South Dakota State, generating explosive plays on offense (Aidan Chiles: 273 passing yards and a rushing TD) and a stingy defense. The Wildcats’ balanced attack featured a 71-yard first-play connection to Griffin Wilde, an 80-yard late standout by Joseph Himon II, and strong performances from a healthy lineup as they moved to 1-0 in the 2026 season.
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About Northwestern Wildcats football
The Northwestern Wildcats football team represents Northwestern University. The Wildcats compete in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) and are a member of the Big Ten Conference based near Chicago in Evanston, Illinois. Founded in 1851, Northwestern began playing football in 1876. Its football mascot is the Wildcat, a term coined by a Chicago Tribune reporter in 1924, after reporting on a football game where the players appeared as "a wall of purple wildcats". Northwestern Football is also marketed as "Chicago's Big Ten Team" with its proximity and ties to Chicago.
Everything about Northwestern Wildcats football →- Country
- United States
- Headquarters
- Evanston
- Inception
- 1876
- Website
- https://nusports.com/sports/football