Northern Illinois football to leave MAC for Mountain West in 2026
- Northern Illinois University is set to join the Mountain West Conference for football only, beginning in 2026.
- This shift follows a notable history in the Mid-American Conference, where the Huskies achieved significant success, including multiple bowl appearances.
- The decision is aimed at enhancing opportunities for student-athletes and increasing national visibility for the football program.
In January 2025, Northern Illinois University announced its decision to join the Mountain West Conference for football starting in the 2026 season. This transition comes as Northern Illinois, previously a member of the Mid-American Conference (MAC), seeks to expand opportunities for its student-athletes and to enhance its brand in college football. The Mountain West Conference, where the easternmost school is located in Colorado, has been undergoing significant changes, particularly after several member schools moved to higher-profile conferences, including the Pac-12. This decision marks Northern Illinois' return to a single-sport conference, having played in the MAC for 39 seasons since its inception and previously in the Big West Conference for a brief period. The Huskies have a strong football history, having achieved notable successes, including participation in 15 bowl games, with the highlight being an appearance in the Orange Bowl in 2012 with standout quarterback Jordan Lynch. Recently, the team finished the season with an 8-5 record and gained national recognition by defeating ranked opponents, showcasing their competitiveness at a national level. Northern Illinois President Lisa C. Freeman emphasized that this move would open new avenues for student-athletes, while also enhancing the competitive experience and media exposure for the football program. Meanwhile, the Mountain West's Commissioner, Gloria Nevarez, noted Northern Illinois' historical success and commitment to academic achievement as key factors in their invitation. With the landscape of college athletics constantly evolving, and schools frequently changing affiliations, both sides remain optimistic about the potential benefits of this partnership. As Northern Illinois prepares to enter the Mountain West, it still remains uncertain which conferences its other athletic teams will join starting in 2026. The university is exploring options and continuing discussions with the MAC and potentially other Midwestern conferences. MAC Commissioner Jon Steinbrecher expressed understanding regarding Northern Illinois' decision, acknowledging the challenges in maintaining competitive balance in the ever-shifting collegiate landscape. This strategic move is anticipated to have significant implications for Northern Illinois, from increased visibility in college football to potential improvements in recruitment and financial opportunities.