Football | May 26
DeKALB, Ill. – The Northern Illinois University football team enters its inaugural season in the Mountain West Conference this fall and the promotional schedule has been announced for 2026 home games. Upcoming promos at Huskie Stadium this fall will include honoring military service members, the 119th NIU Homecoming, Hall of Fame Weekend and more.
In the home opener against in-state challenger Illinois State on Sept. 12, the Huskies will begin the season with Salute to Service and a tribute to the 25th anniversary of 9/11 as well as Family Weekend, Band Day and Education Appreciation.
Following two road games, NIU welcomes Air Force for its first-ever Mountain West game and will celebrate the 119th NIU Homecoming, the oldest Homecoming in the State of Illinois. The October 10th game will also be Cancer Awareness Day and health care workers will have a chance to buy discounted tickets.
When NIU and Hawai'i face off on Saturday, Oct. 24, it will be Hall of Fame Weekend and Huskie fans are welcome to celebrate the NIU Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2026. Additionally, the conference battle will also see the return of Ag Day to NIU and it will also be Youth Sports Day with a pregame youth sports clinic.
The Huskies take on Nevada for Scout Day, which will also be a Black Out game at Huskie Stadium and fans are encouraged to wear black. The season finale on Saturday, Nov. 28 against UTEP will be Senior Day and Fan Appreciation Day.
Additional gameday activities and promotions may be added as they are finalized closer to the season.
Season tickets are on sale now to catch all the action of NIU's first season as a member of the Mountain West inside Huskie Stadium. Season tickets begin at just $102 and are available online at NIUHuskies.com/tickets, by calling the NIU Ticket Office at 815-753-PACK (7225) weekdays between 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. or by emailing, huskiestickets@niu.edu.
The Boneyard Competitive Excellence Fund supports Huskie student-athletes with a forward-thinking approach designed to strengthen competitiveness, elevate the student-athlete experience, and secure a successful future for NIU Athletic programs. For more information or to contribute to the Boneyard Competitive Excellence Fund, please contact the Huskies Athletic Fund at 815-753-1923 or huskieathleticfund@niu.edu.
