CLEVELAND, Ohio – Northern Illinois University senior student-athletes Evan Buss (Football) and Madison Mathews (Softball) have been selected as NIU's recipients of the 2025 Mid-American Conference Medal of Excellence. Buss and Mathews, along with the honorees of each other MAC institution, will be presented with the award as the 2025 MAC Honors Dinner Ceremony on Thursday, May 29 in Cleveland. 

Buss, a mechanical engineering major with a 3.90 grade point average, started 10 games at right tackle in 2024, helping the Huskie offense average 203.8 rushing yards per game, which ranked 16th nationally. Buss and the Huskie offensive line led the MAC in fewest sacks allowed, surrendering just 1.46 per contest. The Kimberly, Wis., native played in 46 games during his Huskie career, making 22 starts, and is a two-time Academic All-MAC honoree as well as a two-time College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District recipient. 

Mathews finished her master's degree in higher education and student affairs this spring with a 4.0 grade point average, after earning her bachelor's degree in public administration. On the field, the Yuma, Ariz., native earned First Team All-MAC honors after hitting .370 with 38 RBI, 14 doubles and seven home runs. Mathews has twice earned Academic All-MAC recognition and is also a two-time CSC Academic All-District honoree. She also holds numerous leadership positions, including serving as the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee President for both NIU and the MAC. 

To be honored with the Medal of Excellence Award, student-athletes had to participate on the varsity level in a conference sponsored sport and shown evidence of academic success with a minimum 3.50 cumulative grade-point average, exhibited athletic excellence, leadership and service. The award is presented annually to one male and one female student-athlete from each of the 12 conference member institutions and are selected by each institution.