DeKalb: NIU Football Unveils Promo Schedule for Inaugural Mountain West Season
Northern Illinois University announced the full promotional schedule for its inaugural Mountain West Conference football season, with home games at Huskie Stadium featuring Homecoming, Hall of Fame Weekend, and more.
The Northern Illinois University football team enters its first season in the Mountain West Conference this fall, and the Huskies announced the full promotional schedule for home games at Huskie Stadium on Tuesday.
The 2026 campaign marks a major shift for DeKalb athletics. NIU left the MAC after decades and now competes in a power conference that stretches from Hawaii to the Rocky Mountains.
Home opener faces in-state rival
The season kicks off on September 12 against Illinois State. The home opener will feature a Salute to Service, a tribute to the 25th anniversary of 9/11, Family Weekend, Band Day, and Education Appreciation.
"Upcoming promos at Huskie Stadium this fall will include honoring military service members, the 119th NIU Homecoming, Hall of Fame Weekend and more." — NIU Athletics, May 26
Homecoming returns for 119th time
After two road games, NIU hosts Air Force on October 10. The matchup will be the Huskies' first-ever Mountain West home game. It will also serve as the 119th NIU Homecoming, the oldest homecoming in the State of Illinois.
The October 10 game will also be Cancer Awareness Day. Health care workers can purchase discounted tickets for that contest.
Hall of Fame Weekend and Ag Day
NIU plays Hawaii on October 24. That game coincides with Hall of Fame Weekend, and fans can celebrate the NIU Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2026. The contest also brings back Ag Day to NIU and features Youth Sports Day with a pregame youth sports clinic.
The Huskies face Nevada next for Scout Day. That game will be a Blackout game at Huskie Stadium, and fans are encouraged to wear black.
The season closes on November 28 against UTEP with Senior Day and Fan Appreciation Day.
Season tickets on sale
Season tickets for the 2026 campaign start at $102. They are available online at NIUHuskies.com/tickets, by calling the NIU Ticket Office at 815-753-PACK (7225) weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., or by emailing huskiestickets@niu.edu.
Additional gameday activities and promotions may be added as they are finalized closer to the season, according to NIU Athletics.
The Boneyard Competitive Excellence Fund supports Huskie student-athletes with a forward-thinking approach designed to strengthen competitiveness and elevate the student-athlete experience. Contributions can be made by contacting the Huskies Athletic Fund at 815-753-1923 or huskieathleticfund@niu.edu.