Former SMU backup quarterback Preston Stone is set to get his shot against Penn State.
Stone announced his transfer portal commitment to Northwestern minutes after the Nittany Lions’ playoff win over the Mustangs last December, and he headlines the Wildcats, who are 3-2 on the year and 1-1 in Big Ten play this year.
The team is coming off a 42-7 win over UL Monroe last weekend, and James Franklin talked about what Northwestern has shown thus far this season after Wednesday’s practice.
“They do a really good job,” Franklin said. “They play hard. They’re usually an old team. They don’t do a lot. What they do, they do well, and they got a few wrinkles to keep you honest, and they’re going to make you earn it, right? You look at them statistically, their statistics are pretty interesting. I’m not talking about necessarily in the conference, but by game, they’ve won a bunch of categories.”
Penn State football head coach James Franklin listens to a question during a press conference in Beaver Stadium on Monday, Oct. 6, 2025 in University Park, Pa.
Sawyer Hadlum
Here are a few Wildcats to watch in Saturday’s game.
Preston Stone, quarterback
Stone started his season with a four-interception day against Tulane, but his touchdown-to-interception ratio has improved since. Excluding the opener, Stone has seven touchdowns and two picks this year.
Stone’s coming off a productive week versus UL Monroe, completing 64.5% of his passes for 262 yards and three scores. He’s in his fifth collegiate year after transferring in from SMU with 918 passing yards thus far.
The Dallas native doesn’t often take off with his legs, tallying 23 attempts through five games, but it’s possible he can pick up chunk gains. Stone had a 30-yard rush on a second-and-10 play against the Warhawks that helped set up a touchdown drive.
Caleb Komolafe, running back
Running back Caleb Komolafe has totaled a touchdown in three-straight games, including a pair of scores last week against UL Monroe. With 75 attempts, the redshirt sophomore is taking the majority of carries out of Northwestern’s backfield during his first season as the starter.
Komolafe is averaging 4.5 yards per carry this season. Versus UCLA, Komolafe took 27 attempts for 119 yards, and he had 13 carries for 75 yards against the Warhawks.
He’s flashed power on the ground and is capable of taking on a large workload, so he may be a test for Jim Knowles’ run defense.
Komolafe can run up the middle or off the tackles, but Northwestern’s offense doesn’t get him involved in the passing game as he has two catches for zero yards this season.
Mac Uihlein, linebacker
Linebacker Mac Uihlein has been a consistent contributor on Northwestern’s defense, tallying at least four tackles in every game this season so far. He’s got 34 tackles this year with a season-high nine tackles coming against Tulane.
Uihlein is used in pass coverage as he has two interceptions on the year. He’s been targeted 12 times, allowing 12 catches for 51 yards, getting reps in the slot when he’s not in the box.
For Penn State’s offense, Uihlein could be the player to beat if it wants to get its tight ends involved.
He’s not often asked to pass rush with one pressure this season, but he has made his mark in run defense.
Aiden Hubbard, defensive lineman
Defensive lineman Aiden Hubbard has Northwestern’s team-high in sacks this season with 2.5. He primarily lines up as an edge rusher but also has seen some work from the interior.
Hubbard had a tackle and a sack in his most recent outing against the Warhawks.
He’s another experienced player on defense as he’s in his senior year. Keeping a clean pocket for Allar could start with containing Hubbard’s impacts on the line.
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