# Northwestern Wildcats football season performance

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/northwestern-wildcats-football-season-performance
> Updated: 2026-10-11T13:53:53.000Z. Sources: 12. Developments: 2.

The Northwestern Wildcats football team secured a 45-14 victory over Ball State University during Homecoming weekend. Led by quarterback Aidan Chiles, who recorded three passing touchdowns and a rushing touchdown, the win allowed Northwestern to finish its non-conference schedule undefeated for the first time since 2015.

Following this performance, the Wildcats returned to the Associated Press (AP) Top 25 Poll for the first time since 2020. Head coach David Braun noted the importance of maintaining focus on seasonal goals despite the team’s improved national standing. With a 4-1 record, the team aims to build momentum through upcoming Big Ten conference matchups.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-11: Northwestern Wildcats return to AP Top 25 Poll

Northwestern football has returned to the AP Top 25 for the first time since 2020 following an undefeated non-conference run and a 45-14 win over Ball State.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/northwestern-wildcats-return-to-ap-top-25-poll

### 2026-10-09: Northwestern defeats Ball State 45-14 in Homecoming win

Northwestern defeated Ball State 45-14 in a non-conference football game at Ryan Field, marking the Wildcats' first undefeated non-conference season since 2015.

12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cross-country-avery-hacker-wins-twilight-invite-as-northwestern-heads-to-nuttycombe

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Cite as: Northwestern Wildcats football season performance. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/northwestern-wildcats-football-season-performance