Northwestern University Athletics
Friday, November 7
Los Angeles, Calif.
8 p.m. CT
Northwestern
at
USC
Wildcats Travel to USC for Friday Night Clash
11/5/2025 11:10:00 AM | Football
LOS ANGELES— Winners of four of its last five games, Northwestern travels to the West Coast to take on No. 20 USC in Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Friday, Nov. 7 at 8 p.m. CT.
Last time out, the Wildcats (5-3, 3-2 Big Ten) narrowly fell on the road at Nebraska, 28-21. Northwestern came back from a 15-point deficit to tie the game early in the fourth quarter. The Wildcats' offensive line did not allow a negative play in a game for the first time since at least 2004, as redshirt sophomore running back Caleb Komolafe tallied a career high 125 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
The Trojans (6-2, 4-1 Big Ten) have won two of their last three games, with wins coming over then-No. 15 Michigan and Nebraska most recently. USC defeated the Cornhuskers, 27-21.
Northwestern takes on USC for the first time since the 1996 Rose Bowl, in which the Wildcats fell to the Trojans, 41-32. Friday night's action will be the first game between the two programs as fellow Big Ten conference opponents.
"Excited where this football team is at right now," Dan and Susan Jones Family Head Football Coach David Braun said. "[We've] continued to progress over the last couple weeks. We have an incredible challenge in front of us this week, playing on a Friday night on the road against a very good football team."
The game will air on FOX, with Jason Benetti (play-by-play), Robert Griffin III (analyst), and Alexa Landestoy (sidelines) on the call.
It can be heard on ESPN 1000 AM with The Voice of the Wildcats, Dave Eanet, who is in his 36th season calling Northwestern football, and 32nd-year analyst Ted Albrecht. Former Wildcat defensive lineman Jake Saunders, (2016-2020) is in his first season as the duo's sideline reporter.
Stay tuned to Northwestern football's Twitter and Instagram channels for live highlights, photos and reactions throughout the Wildcats' road clash.
Here are five things to know as Northwestern seeks to secure bowl eligibility for the second time in three seasons.
1. Coming Back Off The Bye
During Northwestern's bye in Week Four, Braun took the Wildcats through an exercise to help the team identify its identity and goals.
It appeared to pay dividends on the field, as Northwestern won four consecutive games coming off its first bye week before suffering a setback against Nebraska in a one-score, road contest.
"Really challenged our team coming off the Nebraska loss," Braun said. "This can either be something that weighs us down for a couple days, or it can be utilized as a springboard for us."
The team's player leadership, led by its five graduate student captains: defensive lineman Carmine Bastone, running back Cam Porter, quarterback Preston Stone, offensive lineman Caleb Tiernan, and linebacker Mac Uihlein, helped guide the team to get back to work.
The staff used the bye to re-evaluate its process, including ways to put its players in the best position to succeed.
"The challenge over the bye week was to fine-tune the engine," Braun said. "Proud of the way that this group has approached that, even going back to our first day of work on the Monday post-Nebraska."
2. Run Game Continues To Remain a Staple
Through eight games in 2025, the Wildcats already have eclipsed over 300 rushing yards than they had all of last season.
Komolafe, coming off a career game at Nebraska, has led the way for Northwestern with 608 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground, both of which rank in the Top-10 of the Big Ten. His seven rushing scores are tied for the most by a Wildcat in a single-season since Evan Hull in 2021 (7) and rank fourth among Big Ten underclassmen this season.
"I think you can see Caleb starting to get into that rhythm and get into a certain level in the Big Ten," Braun said. "He's found ways to be explosive not by searching for the explosive play, [but by] just trusting what he's being coached, trusting that he can make people miss and break tackles."
Redshirt junior running back Joseph Himon II has totaled 397 rushing yards this season, placing him 18th in the conference. As a whole, Northwestern is averaging 187.2 rushing yards per game, which ranks fifth in the Big Ten and is the team's most over the first 8 games of a season since 2012 (222.4).
A large part of the Wildcats' success is due to its offensive line, led by Tiernan — who was recently named to the East-West Shrine Bowl. The team's 69.6 PFF run block grade ranks seventh in the conference.
"It starts with the run game, and it's built around that," Braun said after Northwestern defeated Purdue a few weeks ago. "It's one thing to start off and have some success with it. But we have to make sure we continue to re-emphasize it."
3. Northwestern's Strong Pass Coverage Leads Top-10 Defense in Country
The Wildcats are allowing just 16.8 points per game this season — the 10th best mark in the nation. In addition, the defense has surrendered over 200 passing yards just once this season and is holding opponents to 165.1 passing yards per game, the team's best mark through eight games since 2015 (164.8).
The 'Cats secondary has accomplished this feat despite battling injuries in the secondary. Graduate student Ore Adeyi, along with redshirt sophomores Josh Fussell and Damon Walters have all missed time at points this season.
In addition, Uihlein — who has a team-high four interceptions on the year — has performed like one of the top linebackers in the country. Uihlein is the only linebacker in the nation to post 55+ tackles, 5+ tackles for loss, and 4+ interceptions this season. His four interceptions are the most by any Northwestern linebacker since 2013.
Redshirt junior defensive back Braden Turner, who has the team's second-best PFF pass coverage grade (73.6), has continued his growth as he has solidified himself as the team's starting nickel this year.
"Braden has an incredible skillset," Braun said. "That nickel star position is by far one of the most difficult positions to play in college football. The greatest growth I've seen is his consistency, his comfortability out on the field, [and] the confidence that's building."
4. Brus, Eligon Returning to Los Angeles Stomping Grounds
Two of Northwestern's starters, redshirt junior linebacker Braydon Brus and sophomore wide receiver Hayden Eligon, are set to return to Los Angeles County this weekend.
Brus, an every-down player as the team's Will linebacker, has recorded 37 tackles (3rd on the team), 1.5 tackles for loss, and 0.5 sacks this season. He also has four quarterback hurries, which rank second on the team.
"He's ultra-athletic," Defensive Coordinator and Linebackers Coach Tim McGarigle said. "He's one of the more explosive guys on the team, probably one of the highest clean squats, benches, just a really strong person in terms of brute strength. He's a smart football player that's got great speed."
Eligon has ascended up the depth chart over the course of the season. He has notched 15 catches for 206 yards, which ranks second on the team, to go along with two touchdowns.
"It's awesome for our players. … Hayden Eligon was joking with me before warmups this morning. [He was] like, 'Coach, [I'm] excited to get this crew out to Southern California, back to my old stomping grounds,'" Braun said on Monday.
In addition, members of Northwestern's staff are set to return to familiar territory. Wide Receivers Coach Armon Binns grew up in Los Angeles, while Running Backs Coach Aristotle Thompson recently coached at California.
5. Scouting the Trojans
USC quarterback Jayden Maiava leads the nation's eighth best scoring offense, posting 39.8 points per game.
Maiava himself has been among the top quarterbacks in the country this season. He has tallied 2,315 passing yards, which ranks second in the Big Ten and 13th in the nation. In addition, Maiava's 15.0 yards per completion ranks third in the country. His top target has been Makai Lemon, whose 776 receiving yards rank sixth in the entire nation.
"It's a scary operation," Braun said. "If they're able to find rhythm, watch out. Obviously, it's our defense's job to be disruptive and not allow SC to get into rhythm."
The Trojans, which are undefeated at home, bring a formidable defense, boasting the nation's third best red zone defense–surrenderings scores on just 64.0% of its opponents red zone trips.
In addition, USC's defense ranks 19th nationally in both sacks per game (2.75) and tackles for loss per game (6.9).
"There are no weaknesses with this USC team," Braun said. "Explosive offense, very talented defense, very efficient in their special teams play. They're incredibly talented in all three phases, at all three levels, and very well-coached."
Last time out, the Wildcats (5-3, 3-2 Big Ten) narrowly fell on the road at Nebraska, 28-21. Northwestern came back from a 15-point deficit to tie the game early in the fourth quarter. The Wildcats' offensive line did not allow a negative play in a game for the first time since at least 2004, as redshirt sophomore running back Caleb Komolafe tallied a career high 125 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
The Trojans (6-2, 4-1 Big Ten) have won two of their last three games, with wins coming over then-No. 15 Michigan and Nebraska most recently. USC defeated the Cornhuskers, 27-21.
Northwestern takes on USC for the first time since the 1996 Rose Bowl, in which the Wildcats fell to the Trojans, 41-32. Friday night's action will be the first game between the two programs as fellow Big Ten conference opponents.
"Excited where this football team is at right now," Dan and Susan Jones Family Head Football Coach David Braun said. "[We've] continued to progress over the last couple weeks. We have an incredible challenge in front of us this week, playing on a Friday night on the road against a very good football team."
The game will air on FOX, with Jason Benetti (play-by-play), Robert Griffin III (analyst), and Alexa Landestoy (sidelines) on the call.
It can be heard on ESPN 1000 AM with The Voice of the Wildcats, Dave Eanet, who is in his 36th season calling Northwestern football, and 32nd-year analyst Ted Albrecht. Former Wildcat defensive lineman Jake Saunders, (2016-2020) is in his first season as the duo's sideline reporter.
Stay tuned to Northwestern football's Twitter and Instagram channels for live highlights, photos and reactions throughout the Wildcats' road clash.
Here are five things to know as Northwestern seeks to secure bowl eligibility for the second time in three seasons.
1. Coming Back Off The Bye
During Northwestern's bye in Week Four, Braun took the Wildcats through an exercise to help the team identify its identity and goals.
It appeared to pay dividends on the field, as Northwestern won four consecutive games coming off its first bye week before suffering a setback against Nebraska in a one-score, road contest.
"Really challenged our team coming off the Nebraska loss," Braun said. "This can either be something that weighs us down for a couple days, or it can be utilized as a springboard for us."
The team's player leadership, led by its five graduate student captains: defensive lineman Carmine Bastone, running back Cam Porter, quarterback Preston Stone, offensive lineman Caleb Tiernan, and linebacker Mac Uihlein, helped guide the team to get back to work.
The staff used the bye to re-evaluate its process, including ways to put its players in the best position to succeed.
"The challenge over the bye week was to fine-tune the engine," Braun said. "Proud of the way that this group has approached that, even going back to our first day of work on the Monday post-Nebraska."
2. Run Game Continues To Remain a Staple
Through eight games in 2025, the Wildcats already have eclipsed over 300 rushing yards than they had all of last season.
Komolafe, coming off a career game at Nebraska, has led the way for Northwestern with 608 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground, both of which rank in the Top-10 of the Big Ten. His seven rushing scores are tied for the most by a Wildcat in a single-season since Evan Hull in 2021 (7) and rank fourth among Big Ten underclassmen this season.
"I think you can see Caleb starting to get into that rhythm and get into a certain level in the Big Ten," Braun said. "He's found ways to be explosive not by searching for the explosive play, [but by] just trusting what he's being coached, trusting that he can make people miss and break tackles."
Redshirt junior running back Joseph Himon II has totaled 397 rushing yards this season, placing him 18th in the conference. As a whole, Northwestern is averaging 187.2 rushing yards per game, which ranks fifth in the Big Ten and is the team's most over the first 8 games of a season since 2012 (222.4).
A large part of the Wildcats' success is due to its offensive line, led by Tiernan — who was recently named to the East-West Shrine Bowl. The team's 69.6 PFF run block grade ranks seventh in the conference.
Two 'Cats headed to the @ShrineBowl ??
— Northwestern Football (@NUFBFamily) November 3, 2025
Caleb Tiernan and Anto Saka each secure invitations to the East-West Shrine Bowl! pic.twitter.com/4G8VdP1M49
"It starts with the run game, and it's built around that," Braun said after Northwestern defeated Purdue a few weeks ago. "It's one thing to start off and have some success with it. But we have to make sure we continue to re-emphasize it."
3. Northwestern's Strong Pass Coverage Leads Top-10 Defense in Country
The Wildcats are allowing just 16.8 points per game this season — the 10th best mark in the nation. In addition, the defense has surrendered over 200 passing yards just once this season and is holding opponents to 165.1 passing yards per game, the team's best mark through eight games since 2015 (164.8).
The 'Cats secondary has accomplished this feat despite battling injuries in the secondary. Graduate student Ore Adeyi, along with redshirt sophomores Josh Fussell and Damon Walters have all missed time at points this season.
In addition, Uihlein — who has a team-high four interceptions on the year — has performed like one of the top linebackers in the country. Uihlein is the only linebacker in the nation to post 55+ tackles, 5+ tackles for loss, and 4+ interceptions this season. His four interceptions are the most by any Northwestern linebacker since 2013.
Redshirt junior defensive back Braden Turner, who has the team's second-best PFF pass coverage grade (73.6), has continued his growth as he has solidified himself as the team's starting nickel this year.
"Braden has an incredible skillset," Braun said. "That nickel star position is by far one of the most difficult positions to play in college football. The greatest growth I've seen is his consistency, his comfortability out on the field, [and] the confidence that's building."
4. Brus, Eligon Returning to Los Angeles Stomping Grounds
Two of Northwestern's starters, redshirt junior linebacker Braydon Brus and sophomore wide receiver Hayden Eligon, are set to return to Los Angeles County this weekend.
Brus, an every-down player as the team's Will linebacker, has recorded 37 tackles (3rd on the team), 1.5 tackles for loss, and 0.5 sacks this season. He also has four quarterback hurries, which rank second on the team.
"He's ultra-athletic," Defensive Coordinator and Linebackers Coach Tim McGarigle said. "He's one of the more explosive guys on the team, probably one of the highest clean squats, benches, just a really strong person in terms of brute strength. He's a smart football player that's got great speed."
Eligon has ascended up the depth chart over the course of the season. He has notched 15 catches for 206 yards, which ranks second on the team, to go along with two touchdowns.
"It's awesome for our players. … Hayden Eligon was joking with me before warmups this morning. [He was] like, 'Coach, [I'm] excited to get this crew out to Southern California, back to my old stomping grounds,'" Braun said on Monday.
In addition, members of Northwestern's staff are set to return to familiar territory. Wide Receivers Coach Armon Binns grew up in Los Angeles, while Running Backs Coach Aristotle Thompson recently coached at California.
5. Scouting the Trojans
USC quarterback Jayden Maiava leads the nation's eighth best scoring offense, posting 39.8 points per game.
Maiava himself has been among the top quarterbacks in the country this season. He has tallied 2,315 passing yards, which ranks second in the Big Ten and 13th in the nation. In addition, Maiava's 15.0 yards per completion ranks third in the country. His top target has been Makai Lemon, whose 776 receiving yards rank sixth in the entire nation.
"It's a scary operation," Braun said. "If they're able to find rhythm, watch out. Obviously, it's our defense's job to be disruptive and not allow SC to get into rhythm."
The Trojans, which are undefeated at home, bring a formidable defense, boasting the nation's third best red zone defense–surrenderings scores on just 64.0% of its opponents red zone trips.
In addition, USC's defense ranks 19th nationally in both sacks per game (2.75) and tackles for loss per game (6.9).
"There are no weaknesses with this USC team," Braun said. "Explosive offense, very talented defense, very efficient in their special teams play. They're incredibly talented in all three phases, at all three levels, and very well-coached."
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