Northern Illinois

The Huskies enter 2026 trying to replace their most productive offensive weapon after wide receiver DeAree Rogers departed for the transfer portal, taking 36.6 points of production with him. Northern Illinois grades out poorly in JP+'s preseason projections at -11.6 points nationally (#128), with the offense ranking dead last at -7.3 (#130) while the defense sits at a more respectable -4.3 (#116). Josh Holst returns as the starting quarterback, but he'll need new targets after also losing receiver Gary Givens III and running back Jaylen Poe to the portal. The Huskies brought in four transfers but none with significant previous production, leaving major questions about who steps up in the passing game.

JP+ projects 5.0 wins for Northern Illinois in their first Mountain West season, a modest improvement from last year's 3-9 record despite the significant roster turnover. The schedule presents clear challenges with road trips to Iowa, Arizona, and North Dakota State representing the toughest tests, while home games against UTEP and Illinois State plus a visit to Georgia State offer the best chances for victories. If Holst can develop chemistry with new receivers and the defense maintains its relative strength, the Huskies could reach bowl eligibility. If the offensive struggles persist without proven playmakers, another losing season looms.