Northwestern Routed Ball State 45-14
The Wildcats dominated the game behind four touchdown performances from quarterback Aidan Chiles.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Football
Northwestern improved to 4-1 on the season after securing a decisive 45-14 victory over Ball State. The Wildcats found the end zone on their first four offensive drives to maintain control throughout the matchup.
Why it matters
The win solidifies Northwestern’s momentum as they look toward upcoming conference play. For Ball State, the loss drops their season record to 1-5, highlighting ongoing difficulties in securing victories this season.
Aidan Chiles threw for 272 yards on 17 of 23 passing, while Griffin Wilde recorded 144 receiving yards and a touchdown. Northwestern tallied a total of 45 points compared to 14 points for Ball State.
The players
Aidan Chiles
He is the starting quarterback for Northwestern who recorded three passing touchdowns and one rushing touchdown in this game.
Griffin Wilde
He is a Northwestern receiver who finished the contest with 144 receiving yards and one touchdown catch.
Robert Fitzgerald
He is a defensive player for Northwestern who returned an interception 15 yards for a touchdown.
Keldric Luster
He is the quarterback for Ball State who passed for 209 yards on 27 of 41 passing.
Jackson Kleather
He is a kicker for Northwestern who successfully converted a 52-yard field goal.
The details
Northwestern's offense proved clinical early on, scoring on its first four drives before executing a massive 10-play, 99-yard scoring drive in the third quarter. Defensively, Robert Fitzgerald contributed to the blowout by returning an interception 15 yards for a score, complemented by a 52-yard Jackson Kleather field goal.
Timeline
The game took place on October 10, 2026.
Ball State plays at Bowling Green on October 17, 2026.
Northwestern plays at Michigan State on October 17, 2026.
Season Trajectory
This win keeps Northwestern in a favorable position within the conference standings as the season progresses. The victory provides a necessary cushion for the Wildcats as they navigate the remainder of the 2026 college football season schedule.
Northwestern moves to a 4-1 overall record, significantly boosting their standing in the conference rankings. Ball State falls to 1-5, putting further pressure on their roster to find offensive consistency ahead of their next road game.
The takeaway
Northwestern showcased a balanced offensive performance by utilizing both a high-completion passing attack and long-distance scoring drives. Maintaining this level of efficiency will be critical for the team as they shift focus to their upcoming road test against Michigan State.
What happens next
Ball State faces Bowling Green on October 17, 2026, while Northwestern travels to play Michigan State on the same date.
Further reading
For more updates on the team, visit /sports/football/.
