Northwestern RB Embraces Bigger Role After Breakout Season

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A year ago, Caleb Komolafe entered the season without being viewed as Northwestern's established lead running back. 

By the end of the 2025 season, that conversation had changed.

Komolafe emerged as one of the Wildcats' biggest offensive breakout players, rushing for 941 yards and 11 touchdowns on 190 carries while averaging 4.95 yards per carry.

He also caught 11 passes for 60 yards and a touchdown, finishing with 1,001 total yards from scrimmage and earning honorable mention All-Big Ten honors.

Now, Komolafe enters 2026 in a much different position. Instead of fighting for an opportunity within the running back rotation, he is expected to be one of the leaders of Northwestern's offense.

But Komolafe isn't changing his approach.

When asked about entering the season in a lead-back role, he emphasized the importance of maintaining the same mentality that helped him break out last season: showing up every day and finding ways to get better.

That mindset could be important as the expectations surrounding him continue to grow.

Komolafe Wants to Grow as a Leader

Komolafe's development isn't only about what he can do with the football. He also wants to become a stronger leader for a Northwestern offense entering a new era under offensive coordinator Chip Kelly.

"Growing in the leadership role is something big that I wanted to do this year," Komolafe said.

Head coach David Braun has played a role in helping Komolafe take that next step.

Komolafe said Braun has continued to motivate him and help him grow into the leadership responsibilities that come with being one of the team's most experienced offensive players.

That is a natural progression for a player who went from being part of the rotation to becoming one of Northwestern's primary offensive weapons.

His 2025 season was the first time a Northwestern running back reached 900 rushing yards since Evan Hull in 2021, while his 11 rushing touchdowns were the most by a Wildcats running back since Justin Jackson had 11 in 2017.

Now, Komolafe has to prove he can consistently produce with defenses knowing he will be a major part of the game plan.

A Bigger Role in a New-Look Offense

Komolafe understands what is ahead. When discussing Northwestern's schedule, he acknowledged that the Wildcats play in the best conference in the country and that they will face some of the nation's strongest competition.

Rather than backing away from that challenge, Komolafe is excited about it. He wants the opportunity to take the field and show what Northwestern can do against the Big Ten's best.

That confidence will be tested early and often, but Komolafe's breakout season gives the Wildcats a proven foundation in the backfield.

The next step is consistency.

When reflecting on last season, Komolafe said he learned how to stay focused, remain patient and lead the offense throughout the course of a season. He also credited Northwestern's coaching staff with helping him improve in a variety of areas.

To repeat that success in 2026, Komolafe said he needs to be more consistent and decisive. Those two traits could be especially important in Kelly's offense.

Kelly has a long history of finding creative ways to use running backs, and Komolafe could have opportunities to contribute in more ways than simply carrying the football.

Whether it is lining up in the backfield, catching passes or being used in different formations, Kelly could find ways to put Komolafe in favorable situations while also taking advantage of the depth Northwestern has at the position.

That makes the running back room one of the more intriguing parts of the Wildcats' new-look offense.

Komolafe enters the season as the established leader, while Gavin Sawchuk and Joseph Himon II give Northwestern additional talent and competition behind him.

If Komolafe can build on his 2025 breakout while becoming a more consistent and vocal leader, he has a chance to establish himself as one of the Big Ten's best running backs.

For Northwestern, that could be one of the most important developments of the 2026 season.

The Wildcats are counting on their offense to take a major step forward under Kelly, and having a proven running back capable of carrying a larger workload gives the new offensive coordinator a valuable piece to build around.

Komolafe already showed what he can do when given the opportunity. Now, with a bigger role, higher expectations and a new offensive system around him, he has another chance to show just how good he can become. 

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