Aidan Chiles Named Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week

Aidan Chiles Named Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week

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Aidan Chiles Named Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week
Northwestern running back Joseph Himon II (L) and quarterback Aidan Chiles (R) speak to media following the Wildcats' 41-7 win over Colorado Buffaloes on Saturday, Sep. 19, 2026. (Alex Kwiatkowski/Roundtable Sports)

Aidan Chiles’ strong start to his Northwestern career received another piece of recognition Monday.

The senior quarterback was named Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week after leading Northwestern to a dominant 41-7 victory over Colorado on Saturday. Chiles completed 17 of 22 passes for 241 yards and three touchdowns while adding two rushing touchdowns, accounting for all five of Northwestern’s touchdowns in the win.

The performance was one of the best of Chiles’ collegiate career and added another milestone to his first two games in Evanston. He became the first Northwestern quarterback since at least 2001 to record at least three passing touchdowns and two rushing touchdowns in the same game. He also became the first Big Ten quarterback since 2017 to record at least a 75% completion rate, 240 passing yards, three passing touchdowns and two rushing scores in the same game. 

But Chiles’ success against Colorado was not an isolated performance.

In his Northwestern debut against South Dakota State, Chiles completed 14 of 24 passes for 273 yards and a touchdown while adding a rushing score. He helped the Wildcats produce 497 total yards in a 34-18 victory, including a two-play, 82-yard opening touchdown drive that immediately showed the explosiveness of Northwestern’s new offense under Chip Kelly. 

Through two games, Chiles has thrown for 514 yards and four touchdowns without an interception. He has also added three rushing touchdowns, giving him seven total touchdowns to start the season while helping Northwestern score 75 points through its first two games. 

The numbers are impressive, but Chiles’ comfort within Kelly’s system may be just as important.

He has looked confident making reads, getting the ball to open receivers and taking what the defense gives him while still possessing the athleticism to make something happen when a play breaks down. That combination has allowed Northwestern to generate explosive plays without asking Chiles to force the football.

Sep 19, 2026; Evanston, Illinois, USA; Northwestern Wildcats quarterback Aidan Chiles (0) is rushed by Colorado Buffaloes linebacker Gideon Lampron (44) during the first half at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
Sep 19, 2026; Evanston, Illinois, USA; Northwestern Wildcats quarterback Aidan Chiles (0) is rushed by Colorado Buffaloes linebacker Gideon Lampron (44) during the first half at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

His ability to protect the ball has also given the Wildcats consistency. Through two games, Chiles has yet to throw an interception, while Northwestern has built an offense that has surpassed 400 total yards in both contests.

David Braun has seen the growth firsthand.

After the South Dakota State game, Braun said Chiles, Kelly and quarterbacks coach Jerry Neuheisel came back Monday and were willing to be coached hard rather than simply being satisfied with the win. That willingness to keep working has carried into the second week.

“The one thing that I really appreciate about Aidan and Chip and Quarterbacks Coach Jerry Neuheisel and that partnership is they come off the South Dakota State game, and it’d be easy to be like, ‘Oh, Aidan played really well,’” Braun said. “No, he’s showing back up on Monday and getting coached really hard. He knows that, and he wants that.” 

That mentality could become one of the most important parts of Chiles’ development as Northwestern enters Big Ten play.

The Wildcats have already seen his ability to make big plays. Against Colorado, Chiles repeatedly found Joseph Himon II for three touchdown passes while also creating plays with his legs. Northwestern outgained Colorado 423-348 and improved to 2-0 for the first time since 2020. 

Chiles also appears to have the trust of his teammates and coaching staff. He has been given the freedom to operate Kelly’s offense while continuing to learn what the system asks of him, and that trust has shown up in his decision-making.

“I talked to Coach Kelly,” Chiles said. “He’s given me the reins. That’s my job. I’m supposed to drive the car, to lead the team, and that’s what I’m here to do.” 

Now, the level of competition changes.

Northwestern will travel to Bloomington on Friday to face Indiana in its first Big Ten game of the season. The Hoosiers will provide Chiles with his first road test of the year and a chance to show whether the efficiency and confidence he has displayed through two games can carry into conference play. 

For now, Chiles has given Northwestern plenty of reason to be excited.

He has protected the football, made smart decisions, created explosive plays and shown the willingness to keep improving even after strong performances. The Big Ten has now recognized his start, but for Chiles and Northwestern, the bigger goal is what comes next.

The award is recognition of what he has done through two games. The real test will be seeing how much further he can take it.

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