Photo by: Ryan Kuttler/Northwestern Athletics
'Here We Go': Caleb Komolafe is Prepared for What's Next
9/11/2025 3:21:00 PM | Football
Early in the third quarter against Western Illinois, redshirt sophomore running back Caleb Komolafe was on the sideline as he saw his mentor, graduate student running back Cam Porter, be helped off the field.
Immediately, running backs coach Aristotle Thompson had one message for Komolafe, who would take the next snap in the backfield: "Here we go."
Komolafe went on to finish the game setting career-highs, accomplishing 11 carries for 63 yards. Although the game's result was positive, the news about Porter's injury was not. Sitting next to Komolafe in the 'Cats' training room, team doctors informed Porter that he would miss the remainder of the 2025 season. The news was heartbreaking for Komolafe, who sees Porter as an older brother.
Throughout Komolafe's three years at Northwestern, Porter has shown him the ropes of being a Big Ten running back, as he has looked to emulate the program's second-ever three-time captain.
"Just watching how he preps for a game, how he does things, I feel like I learned a lot on what I need to do to be successful," Komolafe said. "For one thing, taking care of my body. That was a big thing I had to learn and adjust when I got to college — learning how to pride myself on hitting those cold tubs or stretching."
On Monday, Dan and Susan Jones Family Head Football Coach David Braun announced that Porter would be out for the rest of the season and that as a result, Komolafe will see increased snaps.
Komolafe relishes the opportunity ahead of the matchup with No. 4 Oregon, but with advice from Thompson, the 5-foot-11, 210-pound tailback knows to stay grounded and play his game.
"Nothing's really going to change as far as stepping up in a bigger role," Komolafe said. "It's just me being myself. That's what (Thompson) emphasized — being myself, doing what I can do. Don't try to be a hero. Do what I need to do."
So far, being himself has worked for the young running back. Through two games this season, Komolafe has set career-highs in carries and rushing yards in both contests. Last season, he tallied 139 yards on the ground through 10 appearances and has already reached 97 yards this campaign.
Komolafe's rise to become a featured running back for Northwestern has required hard work in silence amid a journey full of twists and turns. The Katy, Texas, native has always adapted to what is needed of him, and that is why he's ready for what's to come.
***
Football was not Komolafe's first or even his second sport, as he stepped onto a soccer pitch and baseball field prior. However, by age three, Komolafe found the football field, guided by his father Tosin Komolafe — a former strong safety in his high school days.
"My dad put me in it," Komolafe said. "My dad was a big football guy. My whole family is a big football family, so it was destined for me to play at some point. I got in early. I loved the game."
From a young age, Komolafe's athleticism was obvious. After starting, it was not long before Komolafe made the leap from flag to tackle football, where he laid his gridiron groundwork in Katy Youth Football.
He first followed in his father's footsteps, making an impact on the defensive side of the ball at cornerback and safety. However, during a game where his team struggled offensively, Komolafe stepped in to make his mark.
"In the second grade, we noticed that, 'Okay, we're not moving the ball,' so we put him in the backfield," Tosin Komolafe said. "I was running the Triple I. When he got the ball, he was gone. We were like, 'Oh my god, he has the vision.'"
From then on, Komolafe played at both running back and defensive back. He didn't need the motivation of others and he didn't have a trainer. He went outside to work on his craft day-in and day-out by himself.
Komolafe's talent was evident to anyone watching him. From a young age, his parents knew that their son had a future in football.
"Not only was he aggressive, but he was skilled," his mother Mona Komolafe said. "That natural fluidity and movement — it was kind of shocking to see a young kid at that age doing those things. So I was like, 'Hmm, we may have something here.'"
Komolafe grew up in a household with high standards on him, both on and off the field. He was constantly reminded to live by what was dubbed 'the three R's', those being repetition, reinforcement and reward.
He was always expected to do well academically, and there were even times when his parents told him that he could not leave the house to hang out with his friends. Of course, it was out of love.
"My parents were strict, but they were loving," Komolafe said. "Ultimately, they just helped me shape into the man I am today. They pride themselves on being a student first, before an athlete, and working hard in the classroom. It's the same thing on the field, just working hard and ultimately being a humble person, somebody that's going to put their head down and work."
***
Komolafe, now a Big Ten running back, didn't suit up for Tompkins High School's offense until the back half of his junior season. Until that juncture, he solely starred in the Falcons' secondary as a strong safety.
Tompkins' head coach Todd McVey needed another playmaker for his offense and looked toward Komolafe to insert into his backfield. Quickly, Komolafe came in contact with Harold Taylor, a Houston-based running back trainer and a former collegiate running back, to improve at the position.
"We went over the little things about running back that he never was really taught," Taylor said. "The kid's athletic, very athletic. Once he got in with me, he learned real fast. And after that, he took it another level."
After just two training sessions with Komolafe, Taylor knew that the then-junior had a bright future at the running back position. In the ensuing summer, Komolafe continued to work out with Taylor multiple times per week, as Komolafe's love for the position blossomed.
Komolafe said that his time at safety assisted in his development in the backfield, as his years quarterbacking the defense helped him understand schemes and where the defense should be.
"I have an understanding of what that person may be thinking at the time, or how they might react to certain movements," Komolafe said. "Ultimately, I would say just playing multiple positions just helps you be a better football player, and I just think that helps me all-around in my skillset."
Komolafe's hard work paid off. In June 2022, just months before his senior season, Komolafe committed to Memphis as an athlete.
However, four months later, amid a senior season where he was named All-District First Team as a safety and running back and the district's Defensive Player of the Year, Komolafe decommitted from the Tigers and reopened his recruitment.
Of Komolafe's 19 scholarship offers, only three came at running back, including the offer from Northwestern. For Komolafe, though, what position he played at the next level was not a factor in his collegiate decision. Thus, with Northwestern's academic prestige being at the center of the decision, Komolafe committed to become a Wildcat on Dec. 8, 2022. The commitment became a standout, full-circle moment for his family.
"I don't put energy into something that I don't know is going to have success. That's the way I taught my son." Tosin Komolafe said. "Don't put your energy into something you're not planning to have success in. We knew it. We knew he was going to be a Division I player."
***
After redshirting his first-year in 2023, Komolafe played through a leg injury during the first half of the 2024 campaign. He ended the year on a high note, finishing with a then-career-high 32 rushing yards in the season finale against No. 22 Illinois.
A student of the game, Komolafe quickly zeroed into how he could improve, whether that meant perfecting his footwork and diving into film to continue his understanding of Offensive Coordinator Zach Lujan's system.
"I would say really just focusing on the little mistakes and intricate things that I was struggling with last year, really trying to find a way to break down film and slow down the game for myself," Komolafe said.
This season, Komolafe is averaging 4.9 yards per carry, and in week two against the Leathernecks, he registered the longest rush of his career, breaking free for a 24-yard gain.
Thompson credits Komolafe's efficiency and breakaway ability to an ever-evolving football IQ. Although Thompson arrived in Evanston in just February, he has seen Komolafe's development take a considerable leap forward since then.
"Now, he has a plan when the play is called, and he can see the way the play may unfold before the ball is snapped," Thompson said. "As he's seeing these pictures, he kind of has a better feel for where to put the ball."
Komolafe said that he feels like he is improving every single week with more in-game reps, and it's hardly a surprise. Thompson has seen the potential that Komolafe possesses and sees how Komolafe's confidence is starting to spill over onto the field.
"One thing I've told Caleb all along is that he has the ability to be as good as anybody that I've coached or been around," Thompson said. "Part of the maturation of Caleb has really been an ongoing process to get him ready to start to see himself as a guy that he, Joe, and Cam are all the alphas. They're all that guy."
As Komolafe gears up for a larger role against Oregon, he remains confident. He has been through two full seasons of Big Ten play, so difficult tests are nothing new for him. This time, though, he's going to be at the forefront of it as the Wildcats search for a win in their conference opener at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium.
With increased responsibility on the horizon, Komolafe doesn't feel any pressure, knowing that he has the support of his coaches and teammates around him. Perhaps most importantly, he has the belief of his figurative big brother Cam Porter himself. For Komolafe, the formula to succeed is straightforward.
"Focusing on my job, focusing on what I need to do, not necessarily trying to be a hero or trying to do anything out of the ordinary," Komolafe said. "Just sticking to the basics and knowing my fundamentals and keys, just doing all the right things that I need to do, and I will be successful."
Immediately, running backs coach Aristotle Thompson had one message for Komolafe, who would take the next snap in the backfield: "Here we go."
Komolafe went on to finish the game setting career-highs, accomplishing 11 carries for 63 yards. Although the game's result was positive, the news about Porter's injury was not. Sitting next to Komolafe in the 'Cats' training room, team doctors informed Porter that he would miss the remainder of the 2025 season. The news was heartbreaking for Komolafe, who sees Porter as an older brother.
Throughout Komolafe's three years at Northwestern, Porter has shown him the ropes of being a Big Ten running back, as he has looked to emulate the program's second-ever three-time captain.
"Just watching how he preps for a game, how he does things, I feel like I learned a lot on what I need to do to be successful," Komolafe said. "For one thing, taking care of my body. That was a big thing I had to learn and adjust when I got to college — learning how to pride myself on hitting those cold tubs or stretching."
On Monday, Dan and Susan Jones Family Head Football Coach David Braun announced that Porter would be out for the rest of the season and that as a result, Komolafe will see increased snaps.
Komolafe relishes the opportunity ahead of the matchup with No. 4 Oregon, but with advice from Thompson, the 5-foot-11, 210-pound tailback knows to stay grounded and play his game.
"Nothing's really going to change as far as stepping up in a bigger role," Komolafe said. "It's just me being myself. That's what (Thompson) emphasized — being myself, doing what I can do. Don't try to be a hero. Do what I need to do."
So far, being himself has worked for the young running back. Through two games this season, Komolafe has set career-highs in carries and rushing yards in both contests. Last season, he tallied 139 yards on the ground through 10 appearances and has already reached 97 yards this campaign.
Komolafe's rise to become a featured running back for Northwestern has required hard work in silence amid a journey full of twists and turns. The Katy, Texas, native has always adapted to what is needed of him, and that is why he's ready for what's to come.
***
Football was not Komolafe's first or even his second sport, as he stepped onto a soccer pitch and baseball field prior. However, by age three, Komolafe found the football field, guided by his father Tosin Komolafe — a former strong safety in his high school days.
"My dad put me in it," Komolafe said. "My dad was a big football guy. My whole family is a big football family, so it was destined for me to play at some point. I got in early. I loved the game."
From a young age, Komolafe's athleticism was obvious. After starting, it was not long before Komolafe made the leap from flag to tackle football, where he laid his gridiron groundwork in Katy Youth Football.
He first followed in his father's footsteps, making an impact on the defensive side of the ball at cornerback and safety. However, during a game where his team struggled offensively, Komolafe stepped in to make his mark.
"In the second grade, we noticed that, 'Okay, we're not moving the ball,' so we put him in the backfield," Tosin Komolafe said. "I was running the Triple I. When he got the ball, he was gone. We were like, 'Oh my god, he has the vision.'"
From then on, Komolafe played at both running back and defensive back. He didn't need the motivation of others and he didn't have a trainer. He went outside to work on his craft day-in and day-out by himself.
Komolafe's talent was evident to anyone watching him. From a young age, his parents knew that their son had a future in football.
"Not only was he aggressive, but he was skilled," his mother Mona Komolafe said. "That natural fluidity and movement — it was kind of shocking to see a young kid at that age doing those things. So I was like, 'Hmm, we may have something here.'"
Komolafe grew up in a household with high standards on him, both on and off the field. He was constantly reminded to live by what was dubbed 'the three R's', those being repetition, reinforcement and reward.
He was always expected to do well academically, and there were even times when his parents told him that he could not leave the house to hang out with his friends. Of course, it was out of love.
"My parents were strict, but they were loving," Komolafe said. "Ultimately, they just helped me shape into the man I am today. They pride themselves on being a student first, before an athlete, and working hard in the classroom. It's the same thing on the field, just working hard and ultimately being a humble person, somebody that's going to put their head down and work."
***
Komolafe, now a Big Ten running back, didn't suit up for Tompkins High School's offense until the back half of his junior season. Until that juncture, he solely starred in the Falcons' secondary as a strong safety.
Tompkins' head coach Todd McVey needed another playmaker for his offense and looked toward Komolafe to insert into his backfield. Quickly, Komolafe came in contact with Harold Taylor, a Houston-based running back trainer and a former collegiate running back, to improve at the position.
"We went over the little things about running back that he never was really taught," Taylor said. "The kid's athletic, very athletic. Once he got in with me, he learned real fast. And after that, he took it another level."
After just two training sessions with Komolafe, Taylor knew that the then-junior had a bright future at the running back position. In the ensuing summer, Komolafe continued to work out with Taylor multiple times per week, as Komolafe's love for the position blossomed.
Komolafe said that his time at safety assisted in his development in the backfield, as his years quarterbacking the defense helped him understand schemes and where the defense should be.
"I have an understanding of what that person may be thinking at the time, or how they might react to certain movements," Komolafe said. "Ultimately, I would say just playing multiple positions just helps you be a better football player, and I just think that helps me all-around in my skillset."
Komolafe's hard work paid off. In June 2022, just months before his senior season, Komolafe committed to Memphis as an athlete.
However, four months later, amid a senior season where he was named All-District First Team as a safety and running back and the district's Defensive Player of the Year, Komolafe decommitted from the Tigers and reopened his recruitment.
Of Komolafe's 19 scholarship offers, only three came at running back, including the offer from Northwestern. For Komolafe, though, what position he played at the next level was not a factor in his collegiate decision. Thus, with Northwestern's academic prestige being at the center of the decision, Komolafe committed to become a Wildcat on Dec. 8, 2022. The commitment became a standout, full-circle moment for his family.
"I don't put energy into something that I don't know is going to have success. That's the way I taught my son." Tosin Komolafe said. "Don't put your energy into something you're not planning to have success in. We knew it. We knew he was going to be a Division I player."
***
After redshirting his first-year in 2023, Komolafe played through a leg injury during the first half of the 2024 campaign. He ended the year on a high note, finishing with a then-career-high 32 rushing yards in the season finale against No. 22 Illinois.
A student of the game, Komolafe quickly zeroed into how he could improve, whether that meant perfecting his footwork and diving into film to continue his understanding of Offensive Coordinator Zach Lujan's system.
"I would say really just focusing on the little mistakes and intricate things that I was struggling with last year, really trying to find a way to break down film and slow down the game for myself," Komolafe said.
This season, Komolafe is averaging 4.9 yards per carry, and in week two against the Leathernecks, he registered the longest rush of his career, breaking free for a 24-yard gain.
Thompson credits Komolafe's efficiency and breakaway ability to an ever-evolving football IQ. Although Thompson arrived in Evanston in just February, he has seen Komolafe's development take a considerable leap forward since then.
"Now, he has a plan when the play is called, and he can see the way the play may unfold before the ball is snapped," Thompson said. "As he's seeing these pictures, he kind of has a better feel for where to put the ball."
Komolafe said that he feels like he is improving every single week with more in-game reps, and it's hardly a surprise. Thompson has seen the potential that Komolafe possesses and sees how Komolafe's confidence is starting to spill over onto the field.
"One thing I've told Caleb all along is that he has the ability to be as good as anybody that I've coached or been around," Thompson said. "Part of the maturation of Caleb has really been an ongoing process to get him ready to start to see himself as a guy that he, Joe, and Cam are all the alphas. They're all that guy."
As Komolafe gears up for a larger role against Oregon, he remains confident. He has been through two full seasons of Big Ten play, so difficult tests are nothing new for him. This time, though, he's going to be at the forefront of it as the Wildcats search for a win in their conference opener at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium.
With increased responsibility on the horizon, Komolafe doesn't feel any pressure, knowing that he has the support of his coaches and teammates around him. Perhaps most importantly, he has the belief of his figurative big brother Cam Porter himself. For Komolafe, the formula to succeed is straightforward.
"Focusing on my job, focusing on what I need to do, not necessarily trying to be a hero or trying to do anything out of the ordinary," Komolafe said. "Just sticking to the basics and knowing my fundamentals and keys, just doing all the right things that I need to do, and I will be successful."
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