Northwestern has all the makings of a sleeper threat in the Big Ten this year.
While most preseason conference rankings have them finishing near the bottom of the league, the Wildcats also have a lot of hype surrounding their transfer quarterback Preston Stone from SMU and with a lot of unknowns at wide receiver, tight end and even offensive line.
What’s not a mystery is the three-headed beast in the backfield for Northwestern, however, as veterans Cam Porter, Joseph Himon II and Caleb Komolafe all make their returns to the Lakefront this season.
“I’m really excited for that group,” head coach David Braun said Monday in his Week One press conference. “I’m excited for the depth in that room.”
“There’s a level of confidence with that group right now in terms of the things that they’re seeing in terms of the way that they’re being utilized in the passing game, but also that offense line that they’re running behind,” said head coach David Braun on Monday. “That is a strength of ours that we’re going to have to lean on throughout the year.” (Damien Dennis/TPM)
Veteran experience
Fifth-year Porter made his decision to return to Northwestern at the start of the year following a 2024 campaign in which he totaled 501 yards on 126 carries with six touchdowns. He also had 23 receptions for 174 yards.
“Yeah, it was definitely a tough decision,” he said in April. “Long talks with my family, long talks with coach Braun. You know, but obviously I was able to come to the decision that I think returning was the best decision for me. Kind of had a bad taste in my mouth from last year. Didn’t feel like I ended on the note that I wanted to end on. And I had a long conversation with coach Braun and after that conversation I was ready to get lifting and ready to get working as soon as we had it.”
Speaking at media days in Las Vegas in July, Himon called Porter a great leader and someone he’s looked up to.
“I think he just makes me a better player overall just with his approach to the game and the things that he does, I try to learn as much as possible from him and add it to my game,” he said.
Read more about Cam Porter’s decision to return to Northwestern here.
A redshirt junior, Himon is poised to see an increased workload this season after totaling just 257 yards on 52 carries last season with three total scores – one through the air. Himon said his approach to getting better in 2025 began immediately in the offseason.
“Coming in and grinding day in, day out,” he said. “Trying to build my body up — getting faster, stronger and bigger. Looking at the game from a holistic lens when I am watching film with my coaches. I think that’s a very important part of the game, just the mental part.
“That’s something I’ve just been trying to get better at.”
Without giving too much away, Braun said he’s excited for the ways they plan to utilize Himon this year.
And finally, there’s redshirt sophomore Komolafe. He finished 2024 with 148 yards on 54 carries as he was third in the rotation when Porter and Himon were active. While he may remain as the third in line at the position, he has made improvements that has the coaching staff excited for his future.
“Komoloffe just continues to mature and improve as an every down back,” Braun said.
Backfield optimism
While the running backs may be experienced, there is still some reason to doubt their effectiveness. Last season, the Wildcats averaged just 98.5 yards per game on the ground with 12 touchdowns scored, totaling 1,182 yards for the season. One of the reasons for that was an inexperienced offensive line, but Braun believes he has that group in a better place heading into 2025 with just one question mark at right tackle remaining as of Monday. For those reasons, the Wildcats believe they have a three-headed monster lurking in the shadows this season.
“There’s a level of confidence with that group right now in terms of the things that they’re seeing in terms of the way that they’re being utilized in the passing game, but also that offense line that they’re running behind,” said Braun. “That is a strength of ours that we’re going to have to lean on throughout the year.”
Northwestern opens the 2025 season Saturday at Tulane for an 11am CST kickoff.
