After Northern Illinois pulled off one of the biggest upsets in program history with a win at Notre Dame, the Huskies appeared to be one of the best teams in the Group of Five.
But NIU fell the very next week, 23-20 in overtime against Buffalo. Things easily could’ve changed for the worse after an emotional rollercoaster like that.
But head coach Thomas Hammock kept the program on track. The Huskies went 8-5 overall and finished the year out with a 28-20 double-overtime triumph over Fresno State in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl.
There’s reason to believe NIU will have another solid season in 2025.
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Northern Illinois Football’s MAC Title Betting Odds
NIU’s odds to win the MAC are +1400, via BetMGM. The Huskies’ odds of making it to the conference championship are +600.
NIU’s odds of making the College Football Playoff are +6600.
Northern Illinois Football’s Betting Odds & Over/Under Win Total
NIU’s win total Over/Under is 6.5, with Under 6.5 at -160 and Over 6.5 at +135.
Northern Illinois Football’s 2025 Schedule
Aug. 30 vs. Holy Cross
Sept. 6 @ Maryland
Sept. 20 @ Mississippi State
Sept. 27 vs. San Diego State
Oct. 4 vs. Miami (Ohio)
Oct. 11 @ Eastern Michigan
Oct. 18 @ Ohio
Oct. 25 vs. Ball State
Nov. 5 @ Toledo
Nov. 12 @ UMass
Nov. 18 vs. Western Michigan
Nov. 28 vs. Kent State
Dec. 6 MAC Championship
Bold indicates MAC contests
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Key Northern Illinois Football Returners
2024 All-MAC 2nd Team
DL Roy Williams
Northern Illinois Football Hoping To Build Off Of Last Season
If Northern Illinois is going to be competitive in the MAC before going to the Mountain West, the Huskies will have to replace a great deal of their production from last year.
Quarterback Ethan Hampton is gone, and previous backup Josh Holst was viewed as the leading candidate to take over the starting role after spring practices. He threw for 593 yards and two touchdowns with two interceptions on a 58.6% completion rate to go with 230 yards and one touchdown rushing in 2024. But Dartmouth transfer Jackson Proctor could also be in the mix.
NIU’s top two rushers as well as its top nine receivers from last year are not returning. Telly Johnson Jr. is the team’s returning leading rusher after recording 480 yards and four touchdowns on the ground in 2024.
On the offensive line, four of five starters are no longer on the team. Evan Malcore is the leader of the group, as he started 13 games at left tackle in 2024 and has started 26 the past two seasons.
And Roy Williams will be one of the Huskies’ leaders on defense. The second-team All-MAC defensive lineman recorded 38 tackles, 6.5 for loss with 6.5 sacks, two pass breakups, and a forced fumble in 2024.
But NIU’s top eight tacklers from last season are no longer on the roster. The Huskies did make a few additions through the transfer portal, and they may need those new players to make immediate contributions.
Northern Illinois Football Season Prediction
I predict Northern Illinois won’t win the MAC Championship but will go Over 6.5 wins.
I do think NIU has some talent. But the Huskies have a tough schedule, especially to start the year.
I believe NIU can beat Holy Cross, but I’m worried the Huskies will go 1-3 to start the season with games at Maryland and Mississippi State before taking on San Diego State, which I think will improve in 2025. However, NIU proved a season ago that it knows how to pull off an upset. So I think NIU can go 2-2 before entering MAC play.
NIU also has to face Miami (Ohio), Toledo, and Ohio with two of those three contests on the road. However, I think NIU’s five other MAC matchups are winnable.
Northern Illinois will have little room for error. But I think Northern Illinois will win at least seven games and will be in another bowl game before moving to the Mountain West in 2026.
