Northwestern vs Ohio State head-to-head: position-by-position star ratings, experience, and composite grades on CFB Matchup. They meet Week 11, Saturday, November 14, 2026.
The Breakdown
#1 Ohio State's 70 composite tops Northwestern's 63; a 4.7★ receiver corps headlines the gap.
When Northwestern has the ball: Aidan Chiles throws into Ohio State's 4★ secondary with 2.3★ receivers — the game's widest gap.
When Ohio State has the ball: Jeremiah Smith, Chris Henry Jr and a 4.7★ receiver group attack Northwestern's 3.3★ secondary.
Swing factor: 5★ Julian Sayin, two years in, versus 4★ Aidan Chiles, a third-year portal arrival.
X-factor: November Saturday in Columbus: Week 11 home date, Ohio Stadium crowd, Northwestern making the trip.