Updated November 6, 2026 at 8:01 p.m. CT
The big Iowa-Northwestern matchup had a surprise Friday, a day before the Nov. 7 kickoff at Ryan Field (6:30 p.m., FOX).
ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported that Northwestern star quarterback Aidan Chiles, who was listed as questionable in the first two injury reports of the week, will miss the game against the Hawkeyes with an upper-body injury.
Nicco Marchiol, a left-handed transfer from West Virginia who has attempted a pass this season, is expected to start against an Iowa defense that ranks No. 4 nationally.
This sudden movement moved the betting line. Iowa went from a 2½-point underdog to a 2½-point favorite as of Friday afternoon.
The 19th-ranked Hawkeyes (6-2, 3-2 Big Ten Conference) spoke earlier this week about wanting to atone for a poor 2024 performance against Chile while with Michigan State dominating Iowa, 32-20, in East Lansing. The Chileans have played fantastic football, having thrown 13 touchdowns and rushed for 10 more with just one interception in eight games this fall. He was the catalyst for Chip Kelly’s unique offense that catered to his dual-threat abilities.
And while it’s seemingly an advantage for Iowa to face Northwestern (6-2, 3-2) without its star quarterback, it throws a lot of preparations made all week into the trash. Although Northwestern likely won’t change its offensive style, Marchiol brings a less mobile presence to the court. But he has experience.
Marchiol started seven games in his four seasons at West Virginia, including the first four of 2025 before suffering a season-ending foot injury. He completed 66 of 98 passes (67.3%) for 720 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions last season while going 3-1 for the Mountaineers.
Officially, Chiles was listed as questionable in Friday night’s injury report released by the Big Ten Conference. Iowa received some good news with starting defensive backs Zach Lutmer and Jaylen Watson moving from questionable to probable.
Iowa is coming off a 30-0 shutout at home when they were number one. 25 Wisconsin at Kinnick Stadium and must win its final four regular season games to have a chance at the College Football Playoff. This quarterback news would seem to help the cause, at least a little.
Hawkeyes columnist Chad Leistikow worked for The Des Moines Register and USA TODAY Sports Network for 32 years. Chad is the 2023 INA Iowa Sports Columnist of the Year and NSMA Iowa Co-Sports Writer of the Year. Join Chad’s texting group at HawkCentral.com/HawkeyesTexts. Follow @ChadLeistikow on.
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