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The Northwestern Wildcats christened the New Ryan Field in Evanston, Ill. with a dominant 34-13 win over the visiting Penn State Lions, fulfilling a vision established by billionaire and NU trustee Pat Ryan Sr. and his family that was years in the making.

David Braun's team's performance ensured Friday's opening night for the $875 million-plus stadium would be a happy one, and was followed by an emotional speech in support of a team that has officially announced itself to the college football world as one to watch. 

Braun's voice was tinged with a mix of excitement, exhaustion, gratitude and hope for the future as he addressed one of the Big Ten's most exciting teams following its biggest victory in years. 

"We Get to Play Here"

Braun delighted in calling the New Ryan Field the Wildcats' official home as he shared his gratitude for what transpired in Evanston. 

"Guys, could not be more proud of just the way that we navigated…A lot going on, short week, two Fridays in a row, opening a new stadium, class is starting. And the thing that's just remarkable about this group, is when we challenge you to just focus on the things that really matter, you latch onto that," Braun said. 

"If tonight shows you anything, man, when it's championship habits, championship preparation, watch out," he continued, saying there was "greatness" within the Wildcats' locker room after their 21-point win. 

Braun called for his team to celebrate the win for 24 hours and to show up with "laser focus" afterward. 

"Guys, this group gets to play here, this is our home," Braun continued, referencing the stadium he called "the best in America." 

"Man, how grateful, how fortunate are we?" 

We get to play HERE. pic.twitter.com/k32X2XSASI

— Northwestern Football (@NUFBFamily) October 3, 2026

Northwestern Defense Shows Out

Northwestern's Tim McGarigle-led defense held Penn State to under 300 yards and 13 points on the night, supporting the team's Chip Kelly-led offense against a premier Big Ten program. 

The Wildcats forced seven punts and two interceptions, holding Penn State to 5-of-14 third down conversions and getting the ball back to their explosive offense time after time. 

The interceptions were snagged by Braydon Brus and team captain, aka 'The Wildcat,' Robert Fitzgerald, putting a cap on a near-perfect night in Evanston. 

The Wildcats have a little time to celebrate and recover prior to next week's home game against the Ball State Cardinals, which will lead in to an emotional road game for quarterback Aidan Chiles at Michigan State, the second and most impactful stay in his college football career so far.

Braun, Kelly and the rest of the Wildcats staff appear to be building something special in Evanston, and Friday night was proof positive that there is real momentum and possibility behind that feeling. 

The Wildcats are 3-1 with a whole lot of football left to be played, but they will definitely savor Friday night's win as they get ready for other exciting challenges ahead. 

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