Transfer overhaul may be key to Huskie success
SEASON PREVIEW: NORTHERN ILLINOIS
2024 RECORD:8-5, (4-4 MAC)
2025 MAC HEAD COACHES POLL: 5TH
MRO STAFF
The Huskies want to go out with a bang!
This is the final year for Northern Illinois football as a Mid-American Conference member. It's off to the Mountain West (football only) next year.
The MAC coaches poll picked NIU to finish fifth, but the Huskies are one of the tougher teams to gauge this season. That is, in part, because . . .
. . . of a significant turnover in most areas. Just three starters return, but the Huskies have built on last year's upset of Notre Dame with a solid influx of transfer talent.
OFFENSE:
• Quarterback Ethan Hampton earned his helmet dog bones last year with some solid play that fit NIU's system. He has since transferred to Illinois. Just how well the Huskies fill his shoes will say a lot about the offense's productivity and NIU's fortunes in 2025.
Among those in the mix at quarterback is redshirt sophomore Josh Holst. He played in seven games last year and started three. He helped his own cause with a game MVP performance in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. Jason Proctor (Dartmouth) is among several other options. As usual, they seem good fits for the Huskies mix of heavy run and effective passing.
• Telly Johnson Jr. ranked third among NIU runners last year, averaging 4.7 ypc while gaining 480 yards and scoring four TDs. Sophomore Jaylen Poe also returns. Both could be part of a "committee" approach to the run game.
• A significant question for both the running and passing games is how well the offensive line can perform. Five starters are gone. The replacements are talented but unproven as a unit.
• Although young in spots, the Huskie receiving unit should be a strength with several portal additions.
OFFENSE:
• Quarterback Ethan Hampton earned his helmet dog bones last year with some solid play that fit NIU's system. He has since transferred to Illinois. Just how well the Huskies fill his shoes will say a lot about the offense's productivity and NIU's fortunes in 2025.
Among those in the mix at quarterback is redshirt sophomore Josh Holst. He played in seven games last year and started three. He helped his own cause with a game MVP performance in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. Jason Proctor (Dartmouth) is among several other options. As usual, they seem good fits for the Huskies mix of heavy run and effective passing.
• Telly Johnson Jr. ranked third among NIU runners last year, averaging 4.7 ypc while gaining 480 yards and scoring four TDs. Sophomore Jaylen Poe also returns. Both could be part of a "committee" approach to the run game.
• A significant question for both the running and passing games is how well the offensive line can perform. Five starters are gone. The replacements are talented but unproven as a unit.
• Although young in spots, the Huskie receiving unit should be a strength with several portal additions.
DEFENSE:
• Northern Illinois was second among MAC teams in scoring defense (18.5 ppg) and first in total defense (284.6 ypg) last year. However, the unit was hit hard by graduation and the transfer portal.
• Seniors Jalonnie Williams and Roy Williams are back, along with junior Mark Hensley as returning starters up front.
• Senior Quinn Urwiler is part of a promising linebacker group, while Muhammed Jammah and Jasper Beeler are safties in a unit that hopes to again shine in pass defense despite some new faces. The Huskies led all MAC teams in pass defense last year, allowing just 172.5 ypg.
SPECIAL TEAMS:
• Northern Illinois helped itself with a solid kicker when it picked up senior Andrew Glass (Kent State). Danny Vukovic should handle punting duties.
• Northern Illinois was second among MAC teams in scoring defense (18.5 ppg) and first in total defense (284.6 ypg) last year. However, the unit was hit hard by graduation and the transfer portal.
• Seniors Jalonnie Williams and Roy Williams are back, along with junior Mark Hensley as returning starters up front.
• Senior Quinn Urwiler is part of a promising linebacker group, while Muhammed Jammah and Jasper Beeler are safties in a unit that hopes to again shine in pass defense despite some new faces. The Huskies led all MAC teams in pass defense last year, allowing just 172.5 ypg.
SPECIAL TEAMS:
• Northern Illinois helped itself with a solid kicker when it picked up senior Andrew Glass (Kent State). Danny Vukovic should handle punting duties.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
Much depends on how well both lines can perform. However, these are typically areas of strength in a program that loves power football, mixed with some effective passing. Quality receiving prospects should help with the latter.
If the defense can again shine - and maybe add a few more turnovers -- NIU should be a tough opponent every week.
Northern Illinois opens at home against Holy Cross and hosts San Diego State in Week Four. In between, it travels to Maryland and Mississippi State.
Opening MAC play at Miami is a challenge. Ohio and Toledo are also on the middle portion of the schedule. However, the final three games are more forgiving.
Much depends on how well both lines can perform. However, these are typically areas of strength in a program that loves power football, mixed with some effective passing. Quality receiving prospects should help with the latter.
If the defense can again shine - and maybe add a few more turnovers -- NIU should be a tough opponent every week.
Northern Illinois opens at home against Holy Cross and hosts San Diego State in Week Four. In between, it travels to Maryland and Mississippi State.
Opening MAC play at Miami is a challenge. Ohio and Toledo are also on the middle portion of the schedule. However, the final three games are more forgiving.
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