Michael Kilbane Prepares for Home-State Showdown Against Ohio State

By Charlie Spungin, NUSports.com

Fourth-year defensive lineman Michael Kilbane hasn’t played a football game in the state of Ohio since his senior year of high school.

A Lakewood, Ohio native, Kilbane is a completely unrecognizable player compared to how he was the last time he suited up for a football game in Ohio.

“I’m 50 pounds heavier than I was back then,” Kilbane said. “I’ve gotten a lot stronger, faster. From a physical standpoint, it’s a big change. I’ve also been able to have a lot more reps under my belt. I feel a lot more confident and poised as a football player now.”

This Saturday, Kilbane will suit up for a football game in the state of Ohio for the first time since starring at St. Edward High School. Northwestern takes on No. 21 Ohio State at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 14, at 11 a.m. CT.

Kilbane has anchored the Wildcats’ defensive line this season, leading the unit in tackles (28), tackles for loss (6.5) and sacks (2.5). He also has a team-high three forced fumbles, as he recorded a strip-sack in two consecutive games earlier this season. 

“Our whole defensive philosophy is TNT,” Kilbane said. “It’s tackling and takeaways. We really emphasize getting the ball out, whether it be in the run game or in the pass game. Every time we see the quarterback’s arm go up, we think ‘ball’. Thankfully, I was able to get a few of them.”

Kilbane’s three forced fumbles are the most by a Northwestern player since 2019, when the Wildcats’ all-time sacks leader Joe Gaziano also tallied three.

Defensive Line Coach Ross Kolodziej has praised Kilbane, the longest tenured member of the Wildcat defensive line, for his leadership this season. 

“He’s really jumped into that role and brought those young guys along,”  Kolodziej said. “He’s fostered that environment of what the standard is, how to go about their business. He’s being there for guys in terms of extra work and showing them how to watch film and study, learn the playbook.”

Both Kolodziej and Dan and Susan Jones Family Head Football Coach David Braun have commended Kilbane for his preparation and the way that he operates in the facility each day.

“I think where Kilbane does an incredible job is the way that he operates and sets a standard,” said Braun. “The foundation of leadership is built off credibility and authenticity. We don’t want Kilbane going outside who he is authentically to lead more. But where he has started to step up is understanding that leadership requires action, his willingness to speak up when he needs to and make sure that he’s leading the charge. The credibility that he’s built, not only from his production but the way that he goes to work every single day, is something that I’m excited for him to continue to build off of,” Braun said.

Kilbane said that he developed his current routine by the midway point of his sophomore year. He credits his mentors, such as Aidan Hubbard and Carmine Bastone, for helping him grow into the player and leader he is.

“For me, I know that other dudes are watching me,” Kilbane said. “I know that if I slip up, the standard could slip up. That helps me stay dialed in and make sure every single day I do everything the right way. It’s just something that makes me a creature of habit. It just comes naturally now.”

Second-year defensive lineman Mason Mayne, who has played a key rotational piece along the Wildcats’ defensive front this season, has felt Kilbane’s leadership reverberate across the defensive line.

Mayne pointed to Kilbane’s motor, exemplified by how he makes tackles 20 yards down the field, as just one way that he’s learned from the 6-foot-5, 280-pound fourth-year.

“He’s a tremendous leader,” Mayne said. “It’s pretty awesome to follow in his footsteps. He’s always leading by example, always giving 100% effort in every single little part of practice, and it makes it very simple to follow. There’s no ifs, ands, or buts about it. If you do what Mike does, you’re definitely going to be a physical, hard-nosed player who gets a lot done in the games.”

In Columbus, Ohio, this weekend, Kilbane will have friends and family packed into the stands of Ohio Stadium to watch him play. Facing his mother’s alma mater and the team he grew up rooting for, Kilbane is looking to separate the logo from his emotions and take an objective approach into the matchup.

Kilbane knows the Northwestern defense will face an incredibly talented Buckeye offense. But still, he knows that the Wildcats are ready for the challenge.

“We’re all very confident,” Kilbane said. “We know that we’re very capable, and if we execute the way we’re supposed to, we believe we can do great things. We just are making sure we have great belief in ourselves, great execution, and great communication. If we do those three things, the sky’s the limit for us.”