Northwestern turns to Chip Kelly to help spark offense, Chiles steps in at QB for Wildcats

Northwestern has enlisted Chip Kelly as offensive coordinator to bolster their struggling offense, while Michigan State transfer Aidan Chiles is set to fill in at quarterback. Last season, the Wildcats averaged 346.1 yards per game, placing them 12th in the Big Ten. Chiles, standing at 6-foot-4, threw for 1,392 yards and 10 touchdowns in nine games at Michigan State, as well as rushing for six touchdowns.

Joined at the quarterback position will be Caleb Komolafe, who rushed for 941 yards and 11 touchdowns with the Spartans in the previous season.

The Wildcats' game schedule includes away matches against Indiana, Ohio State, and Oregon, as well as a potential rematch with former coach Pat Fitzgerald on October 17 against Michigan State. The new Ryan Field, set to open soon, boasts a 35,000-seat capacity and cost around $870 million to construct.

Notable players for Northwestern include senior wide receiver Griffin Wilde, who recorded 71 receptions for 880 yards and eight touchdowns last season. Hayden Eligon II, Ricky Ahumaraeze, and Drew Wagner will also return to the team. Wide receivers Eligon, Ahumaraeze, and Wagner all caught a combined 537 passes for 1,746 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2019.

However, the team faces challenges on both sides of the ball. The offensive and defensive lines are particularly vulnerable, with key players and their replacements uncertain. Offensive linemen Caleb Tiernan, Evan Beerntsen, and Martes Lewis have departed, while center Jackson Carsello has returned after regaining eligibility. Grant Seagren, a 6-7 transfer from Oklahoma State, and Ezomo Oratokhai, who returned after starting all 13 games last season, are significant additions to the offensive line.

On defense, the Wildcats seek replacements for Aidan Hubbard and Anto Saka, with Michael Kilbane and Jamaal Johnson potentially filling prominent roles.