Football | February 24

DeKALB, Ill. – The Mountain West Conference released an updated 2026 football home and away opponents list for each conference member on Tuesday with the addition of North Dakota State. The Northern Illinois University football team will now play the Bison this coming fall, the league announced today.

The Huskies will no longer travel to New Mexico and instead will head to Fargo, N.D. for its third-ever meeting against North Dakota State.

Additionally, NIU will now host Air Force and travel to Wyoming.

Season ticket renewals are now available. New season tickets for the 2026 NIU Football season will be available online at NIUHuskies.com/tickets in early spring. For more information, call the NIU Ticket Office at 815-753-PACK (7225) weekdays between 9 a.m.-5 p.m. or email huskiestickets@niu.edu.

2026 Home Conference Opponents
Air Force*
Hawai'i
Nevada
UTEP

2026 Away Conference Opponents
North Dakota State*
San Jose State
UNLV
Wyoming*

NIU is 0-2 all-time against North Dakota State, playing in 1968 and 1969.

With the addition of North Dakota State and re-launch of the Mountain West opponents the Huskie Athletic Fund will also re-launch two exclusive giving levels that offer Huskie supporters the opportunity to be part of this milestone moment while receiving limited-edition inaugural items available only through this effort.

• The $260 level includes an Inaugural Commemorative Ticket, created to mark NIU Football's first season in the Mountain West Conference. This item is limited to just 100 supporters, making it a rare keepsake celebrating a defining chapter in Huskie history.

• The $2,600 level includes an Inaugural Framed NIU Mountain West Jersey (#26), a premium collectible honoring the Huskies' entrance into the conference. This exclusive piece serves as a lasting tribute to those helping shape the future of Huskie Football. 

Proceeds from the re-launch initiative will directly support the Boneyard Competitive Excellence Fund (GIVE NOW). All commemorative items will be fulfilled prior to the start of the 2026 season. Huskie fans are encouraged to participate in this limited opportunity as NIU begins competition in the Mountain West Conference. HAF renewals are now live for the 2026-2027 season. If you have any questions, please reach out to the Huskie Athletic Fund at 815-753-1923. 

The full 2026 NIU football schedule, including dates for conference contests, will be released at a later time.