Northern Illinois University Athletics

2025

• Named to Academic All-MAC Team
• Played in all 12 games as a rotational linebacker in first season with NIU.
• Had 29 tackles, two tackles for loss, one fumble recovery and 0.5 sacks in 2025.
• Recorded four tackles against both Holy Cross (8-30) and Mississippi State (9-20). Added a tackle for loss against the Crusaders.
• Made a season-high eight stops at Ohio (10-18).
• Recovered a fumble and added two tackles against Ball State (10-25).
• Posted a tackle for loss and three tackles vs. Kent State (11-28).

• Earned Most Improved Award for the Huskie defense following 2025 spring practices. 

2024
• Played in the last five games of the season beginning at Western Michigan (11-6) after coming back from injury. 
• Contributed one tackle while playing primarily on special teams, including kickoff and kickoff return.
• Transferred to NIU in January 2024 and took part in spring practices.

PRIOR TO NIU (2022-2023 at Fordham)
2023
• Started all 11 games at linebacker.
• Collected third team All-Patriot League honors from Phil Steele. 
• Ranked second on the team with 75 tackles, 29 solo.
• Made 7.5 tackles for loss with one sack, two pass break-ups and a forced fumble.
• Recorded a season high nine tackles with a tackle for loss versus Wagner (9/2).
• Made six tackles with a TFL at Buffalo (9/9).
• Totaled five or more tackles in 10 of 11 games.
• Had six solo stops among his eight tackles, with a TFL and a pass break up, at Georgetown (9/30).

2022
• Appeared in all 12 games as a freshman, both at linebacker and on special teams.
• Recorded 15 total tackles, eight solo, including one for loss.
• Also had an interception.
• Made four tackles, three solo, including one for loss in win at Bucknell.
• Also had three stops in Colgate win.
• Finished with a pair of tackles and intercepted a pass in the win over Georgetown.

HIGH SCHOOL
• A graduate of Saint Peter's Prep in Jersey City, N.J.
• Played three seasons on varsity and made 53 tackles, 43 solo, in 19 games.
• Totaled five tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks with two fumble recoveries and two fumbles caused. 
• Also competed for the track and field and wrestling programs.
• The eighth-ranked linebacker in New Jersey in 2020.

PERSONAL
• Son of Amy and Reggie Pretto.
• Sport management major.