Newly extended coach David Braun's Northwestern football team took on Colorado in Evanston, Ill. in Week 3 action, showing off for fans all night. They jumped all over Deion Sanders' Buffaloes, leading 21-0 at halftime as transfer quarterback Aidan Chiles shined en route to a 41-7 victory.

Northwestern has faced, and overcome, adversity this season after a scary injury to starting lineman Jackson Carsello. The offensive line performed fine against the Buffaloes as Northwestern scored its biggest win against a power conference opponent since 2020. Braun and his team celebrated his contract extension, which runs through 2031, earlier this week and are now feeling better after a dominating win over Sanders' high profile Big 12 team.

Northwestern trounces Colorado 41-7. Biggest win for Northwestern against a power conference opponent since 2020. https://t.co/dRE79CJ1fq

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) September 20, 2026

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Chiles completed 17-of-22 passes for 241 yards and three touchdowns against the Buffaloes while running backs Caleb Komolafe and Gavin Sawchuk reached nearly 100 yards combined. The Wildcats defense also chipped in, forcing two interceptions by Colorado quarterback Julian Lewis and recovering two fumbles, helping Braun's team win the turnover battle 4-1 on the night. Buffaloes fans had little to cheer about as Northwestern held the ball over 36 minutes compared to just over 23 minutes for Colorado.

Northwestern football will welcome head coach Matt Campbell's Penn State Nittany Lions to Evanston on Oct. 2 as they christen their new $875 million stadium, the new Ryan Field, in Evanston, Illinois. Spending on the Northwestern football program expanded recently, and fans are excited. Braun, Chiles, and new offensive coordinator Chip Kelly have their team firing on all cylinders ahead of the big matchup, which could make for a closer game than the experts think in front of a growing fanbase.