Northwestern holds off South Dakota State rally in Chip Kelly's debut

Northwestern opened the 2026 season with a 34-18 victory over South Dakota State, launching the Chip Kelly era with an explosive but uneven offensive performance. In his Wildcats debut, quarterback Aidan Chiles threw for 273 yards and a touchdown and added a rushing score, while Griffin Wilde had three catches for 104 yards, including a 71-yard reception on Northwestern’s first play. The Wildcats gained 224 rushing yards, highlighted by Joseph Himon II’s 80-yard touchdown run late in the game, and scored 24 points over their final four possessions to pull away. Northwestern’s defense allowed 438 yards but repeatedly stiffened in the red zone, holding the Jackrabbits to one touchdown on seven trips inside the 25-yard line. South Dakota State remained competitive into the fourth quarter, cutting the deficit to 20-18 before Northwestern closed out the win.