​When Nevada unveiled its 2026 schedule, Northern Illinois looked like one of the most compelling non-conference tests on the slate. A year later, the story has shifted dramatically. The Huskies embark on their first season as a Mountain West member amid one of the most chaotic offseasons in recent program history. Northern Illinois is coming off a disappointing 3-9 campaign, saw longtime head coach Thomas Hammock depart for the NFL just months before spring practice, and now starts life in a new conference under first-year head coach Rob Harley. For a program that shocked Notre Dame less than two years ago, expectations have shifted considerably. Instead of chasing conference titles, Northern Illinois now enters 2026 focused on finding stability. That places the Huskies at No. 10 in Nevada’s opponent rankings.
The 2025 season never found its footing for Northern Illinois. The Huskies finished 3-9 overall and 2-6 in Mid-American Conference play, finishing near the bottom of the league standings. Injuries and inconsistency plagued the offense, while the defense struggled to force stops, resulting in NIU’s worst season since 2020. The year was especially frustrating given the momentum generated by the memorable upset of Notre Dame in 2024. Rather than building on that surge, Northern Illinois regressed significantly, signaling the end of an era. In February, longtime head coach Thomas Hammock accepted a position with the Seattle Seahawks, leaving defensive coordinator Rob Harley to guide the Huskies through one of the program’s most daunting transitions in school history.
Although the spotlight has largely been on the coaching overhaul, Northern Illinois still returns several talented players who can make an impact. Running back Telly Johnson emerged as one of the Huskies’ brightest offensive pieces during the latter half of 2025, showcasing the pounding running style that has defined NIU football. He finished the year with 712 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 124 carries, and added 16 receptions for 97 receiving yards, totaling 809 scrimmage yards. Johnson led the Mid-American Conference in rushing yards per carry with 5.74, ranking 31st in the FBS.
At wide receiver, DeAree Rogers stands as the most experienced returning playmaker. The Lenoir-Rhyne transfer is entering his final season and is expected to anchor a receiver group that underwent significant turnover after 2025. Rogers was NIU’s leading wideout in 2025, compiling 506 receiving yards on 46 receptions with three touchdowns, while adding 43 rushing yards on four carries for a total of 549 scrimmage yards. Another name to watch is Cam Thompson, who returns to DeKalb after spending last season with Mississippi State. Thompson began his collegiate career at NIU before transferring to the SEC, and the Huskies hope his experience can immediately elevate the passing game as they navigate the transition to a more competitive conference schedule.