Northwestern RB Joe Himon II Makes Bold Claim About Frightening Top-End Speed

Northwestern RB Joe Himon II Makes Bold Claim About Frightening Top-End Speed

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Northwestern RB Joe Himon II Makes Bold Claim About Frightening Top-End Speed

Northwestern football is 3-0 headed into their biggest game of the season so far against the Indiana Hoosiers at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington, Ind. on Saturday night. 

Running back Joe Himon II is one of the team's x factors, coming in with a 14.4 yards-per-carry average, first among all ball carriers nationally. Himon II is also a threat in the passing game with an even higher yards-from-scrimmage average of 14.7. 

The Wildcats runner was clocked at a nation's fastest speed of 22 miles per hour in Week 1, a topic brought up by Dave Revsine of the Big Ten Network on Wednesday. 

Sep 19, 2026; Evanston, Illinois, USA; Northwestern Wildcats running back Joseph Himon II (6) runs into the end zone with a touchdown against the Colorado Buffaloes during the second half at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium. Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images  
Sep 19, 2026; Evanston, Illinois, USA; Northwestern Wildcats running back Joseph Himon II (6) runs into the end zone with a touchdown against the Colorado Buffaloes during the second half at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium. Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images  

Himon II Makes Bold Claim on Top-End Speed

Himon II was asked by Revsine about his nation's fastest 80-yard touchdown run in Week 1 against the South Dakota State Jackrabbits which opened up a broader conversation about his top-end speed. 

He was asked by Revsine if there is anyone on the Wildcats who can keep up with him.

"There's probably a few guys, Ore (Adeyi), but I think I got him," Himon II said. 

He was also asked when the last time was that he lost a race. 

"Uh, last time I lost a race…I don't think I've ever lost a race if I'm being honest," the Wildcats' versatile running back said. 

Himon II's speed will be tested against an Indiana defense that has given up just 16 points this season through three games, all of them in Week 1 against the North Texas Mean Green. 

Wildcats' Running-Game-By-Committee Approach

The Wildcats have employed a running-game-by-committee approach this season and Himon II has been the most pleasant surprise. He has surged ahead of Caleb Komolafe, a preseason Maxwell Award candidate for the nation's best all-around player, and currently ranks second on the team in rushing with 115 yards in that category. 

Gavin Sawchuk leads in rushing with 117 yards on 5.8 yards-per-carry while Komolafe is third with 95 yards so far this season. 

Komolafe and Himon II rank third and fourth on the team, respectively, in receiving yards heading into Saturday night, showing the versatility of the Wildcats' Chip Kelly-led offense. If Himon II can break off another big run against the Hoosiers, it will go a long toward toward winning the battle of attrition against one of the Big Ten's highest scoring teams, and showcasing Himon II's incredible skills for the nation to see. 

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