By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
BigPaulSportsBigPaulSports
Notification Show More
Latest News
FOX Super 6 contest: Geoff Schwartz's College Football Week 2 Picks, Predictions
FOX Super 6 contest: Geoff Schwartz’s College Football Week 2 Picks, Predictions
Game Analysis
Uruguay, Colombia and Paraguay qualify for the 2026 World Cup
Uruguay, Colombia and Paraguay qualify for the 2026 World Cup
Game Analysis
Luis Suárez Apologizes For Leagues Cup Final Antics: 'I was wrong'
Luis Suárez Apologizes For Leagues Cup Final Antics: ‘I was wrong’
Game Analysis
FOX Super 6 Contest: Chris 'The Bear' Fallica's NFL Week 1 Picks, Predictions
FOX Super 6 Contest: Chris ‘The Bear’ Fallica’s NFL Week 1 Picks, Predictions
Game Analysis NFL
Mike Tyson, Floyd Mayweather Jr. To Meet in Exhibition Boxing Match in 2026
Mike Tyson, Floyd Mayweather Jr. To Meet in Exhibition Boxing Match in 2026
Game Analysis
Aa
  • Big Paul Sports
  • Services
  • Game Analysis
  • Free Picks
  • Premium Content
  • Registration
  • Member Login
Reading: Northern Illinois set to join Mountain West for football only in 2026
Share
Aa
BigPaulSportsBigPaulSports
  • Big Paul Sports
  • Services
  • Game Analysis
  • Free Picks
  • Premium Content
  • Registration
  • Member Login
Search
  • Big Paul Sports
  • Services
  • Game Analysis
  • Free Picks
  • Premium Content
  • Registration
  • Member Login
Have an existing account? Sign In
Follow US
BigPaulSports > Blog > Game Analysis > Northern Illinois set to join Mountain West for football only in 2026
Game Analysis

Northern Illinois set to join Mountain West for football only in 2026

BigP
Last updated: 2025/01/07 at 11:29 PM
BigP Published January 7, 2025
Share
Northern Illinois set to join Mountain West for football only in 2026
SHARE

Northern Illinois has accepted an invitation to join the Mountain West for football only in 2026, the school and conference announced Tuesday.

The Huskies will go from the Midwest-based MAC to a conference in which the easternmost school is in Colorado Springs, Colorado. They will join Air Force, Hawaii, Nevada, New Mexico, San Jose State, UNLV, UTEP and Wyoming in the Mountain West.

“This move will open new opportunities for our student-athletes, expand the reach and strengthen the national brand of Huskie Football as they represent NIU and compete for championships the hard way, and the right way,” NIU president Lisa C. Freeman said in a statement.

ADVERTISEMENT

Mountain West commissioner Gloria Nevarez said NIU’s “history of football success and its commitment to academic excellence” were draws.

Northern Illinois has played 39 seasons in the MAC over two stints from 1975 to 1985 and since 1997. It was in the Big West Conference in football from 1993 to 1995 and operated as an independent from 1986 to 1992, as well as in 1996.

The Huskies went 8-5 this season and pulled off a huge stunner at then-No. 5 Notre Dame in September. The win vaulted them into The Associated Press poll for the first time in 11 years.

The Huskies have consistently been among the top teams in the MAC for two decades. They’ve played in 15 bowl games in that span, and the 2012 team even made the Orange Bowl, with star quarterback Jordan Lynch.

It’s not clear which conference Northern Illinois’ other teams will compete in starting in 2026. The school said it has “multiple options” with Midwest conferences and remains in talks with the MAC.

Reporting by The Associated Press.

[Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily.]


recommended


College Football

Get more from College Football Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more


in this topic

Sponsored Content

Juega en grande con cryptomonedas

You Might Also Like

FOX Super 6 contest: Geoff Schwartz’s College Football Week 2 Picks, Predictions

Uruguay, Colombia and Paraguay qualify for the 2026 World Cup

Luis Suárez Apologizes For Leagues Cup Final Antics: ‘I was wrong’

FOX Super 6 Contest: Chris ‘The Bear’ Fallica’s NFL Week 1 Picks, Predictions

TAGGED: college-football
BigP January 7, 2025
Share this Article
Facebook Twitter Email Print

Follow US

Find US on Social Medias
Facebook Like
Twitter Follow
Youtube Subscribe
Telegram Follow
newsletter featurednewsletter featured

Weekly Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!

    Popular News
    Noles: We should be champs if only unbeaten left
    NCAASports News

    Noles: We should be champs if only unbeaten left

    BigP BigP December 29, 2023
    Bears GM stands firm on Justin Fields, confirms leaning toward trading No. 1 pick
    Sources: Jags QB Lawrence (toe) to play vs. Jets
    Coach Prime lands 1st ESPN 300 recruit for Buffs
    Steve Wilks will bring subtle tweaks, not wholesale changes to 49ers defense
    - Advertisement -
    Ad imageAd image

    Categories

    • Sports

    About US

    We offer information and tips on US Sports and evernts all over the world.
    Top Categories
    • Game Analysis
    • Free Picks
    • Services
    • Premium Content

    Subscribe US

    Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!

      © Foxiz News Network. Ruby Design Company. All Rights Reserved.

      Removed from reading list

      Undo
      Welcome Back!

      Sign in to your account

      Lost your password?