A dense mist blanketed Martin Stadium on Saturday night, occasionally turning into rain for the 12,023 in attendance, marking Northwestern’s final game in the temporary lakefront stadium. Despite the adverse weather conditions, Northwestern’s defense adapted swiftly, capitalizing on turnovers to dominate Colorado in a decisive game. By halftime, the Wildcats held a commanding 21-point lead, leading to an impressive 41-7 victory in Evanston.
Photos: Northwestern 41, Colorado 7 at Martin Stadium
Defenders Braden Turner and Ore Adeyi intercepted passes, while Robert Fitzgerald and Braydon Brus recovered fumbles. Colorado’s offense struggled, gaining 348 yards but converting only one third-quarter touchdown. The Wildcats’ defense halted Colorado on all three of their fourth-down attempts.
Brus emphasized the key elements of their defense, stating, “A big part of our defense, we call it TNT. Tackling and takeaways is really what is going to set you up to have those performances.”
Quarterback Aidan Chiles excelled in Chip Kelly’s new offense, completing 17 of 22 passes for 241 yards and three touchdowns, while rushing for two additional scores. Joseph Himon II caught all three touchdown passes, amassing 46 receiving yards and rushing for another 28 yards. Griffin Wilde, the wide receiver, contributed with five catches totaling 85 yards.
Northwestern bade farewell to Martin Stadium with this resounding victory before transitioning to the new Ryan Field on October 2, facing Penn State. A pre-game video captured by a Daily Northwestern journalist showed Colorado players expressing dissatisfaction about the stadium environment.
Coach David Braun acknowledged the operations team that supported Northwestern during the temporary stadium’s tenure, stating, “We definitely sent it out the right way.” This concluding game highlighted the symbolic bridge leading to the new Ryan Field.
Northwestern quarterback Aidan Chiles (0) runs with the ball as Colorado safety Randon Fontenette (7) defends in the third quarter at Martin Stadium on Sept. 19, 2026, in Evanston. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Despite entering the matchup untested by Colorado’s 2-0 record, Northwestern exhibited readiness for Big Ten play against defending national champions Indiana. Coach Braun remarked, “I think it tells us that we can play with anybody. We’re built for the schedule that’s in front of us.” He emphasized the importance of day-by-day progress and facing the upcoming challenge with Indiana.
Northwestern recently extended Braun’s contract through 2031 after announcing it on Thursday. With a tenure record of 21-19, Braun expressed confidence in the leadership at Northwestern and his commitment to competing for championships.
Northwestern coach David Braun congratulates players after a touchdown in the second quarter against Colorado at Martin Stadium on Sept. 19, 2026, in Evanston. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
The team continues to build momentum under Kelly’s guidance, producing 423 offensive yards on Saturday. Aidan Chiles commented on the bye week, mentioning, “We practiced like we were going to have a game, and it kept us locked in for Colorado.”
Northwestern initiated scoring with Chiles’s 1-yard touchdown run in the first quarter, following a forced fumble by Michael Kilbane and recovery by Fitzgerald. Despite offensive challenges, Northwestern capitalized on turnovers, leading to significant scoring.
Ezomo Oratokhai suffered a lower body injury during the game, requiring assistance off the field. Brus maintained defensive pressure, recovering a fumble by Damian Henderson II during a vital moment of the game. Northwestern’s defensive prowess continued, leading to additional scoring opportunities.
Northwestern offensive tackle Ezomo Oratokhai weeps while being carted away after suffering an injury against Colorado in the first quarter at Martin Stadium on Sept. 19, 2026, in Evanston. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Himon capitalized on his opportunities, scoring touchdowns with precise passes from Chiles. Wilde contributed significantly to the scoring drive, securing major yardage before Himon’s final touchdown reception.
Northwestern running back Joseph Himon II (6) rushes in the second quarter against Colorado at Martin Stadium on Sept. 19, 2026, in Evanston. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Chiles remarked on Himon’s performance, “He was open. I missed him on one, but we got it back. We worked on it all week.”
With anticipation for the new Ryan Field, Himon expressed excitement, noting, “It’s been a special time playing out here on the lake, but we’re ready to get back in a stadium and have all the support and fans come out to watch us.”