Northern Illinois has yet to make consecutive bowl games during Thomas Hammock’s tenure as head coach, but the 2024 Huskies look every part of a bowl team and MAC contender. The Huskies return 16 starters and could boast the best defense in the conference.
The program’s biggest question entering 2024 is arguably quarterback, where Ethan Hampton, Jalen Macon, and Josh Holst are expected to fight for the starting position. If the Huskies find consistent quarterback play, it could be a special fall.
Even if Northern Illinois doesn’t find top-tier quarterback play, the Huskies have enough at running back, wide receiver, and defense to compete atop the MAC.
Northern Illinois Football’s MAC Title Odds
NIU’s odds to win the MAC are +650, via BetMGM.
Northern Illinois Football’s Betting Odds & Over/Under Win Total
Northern Illinois’ win total Over/Under is 6.5, with Over 6.5 at -125 and Under 6.5 at +105.
Northern Illinois Football’s 2024 Schedule
8/31 vs. Western Illinois
9/7 at Notre Dame
9/21 vs. Buffalo
9/28 at NC State
10/5 vs. UMass
10/12 at Bowling Green
10/19 vs. Toledo
10/26 at Ball State
11/6 at Western Michigan
11/13 vs. Akron
11/19 at Miami (Ohio)
11/30 vs. Central Michigan
Bold indicates MAC contests
Key Northern Illinois Football Returners
2023 All-MAC 1st Team
RB Antario Brown
2nd Team
DB JaVaughn Byrd
3rd Team
WR Trayvon Rudolph
For more Group of Five coverage, follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
Northern Illinois Football Ready For MAC Contention
Everything about Northern Illinois’ roster screams bowl appearance.
The Huskies return a first-team all-conference running back in Antario Brown, who went for 1,296 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns last season. The offensive line returns good experience and should be one of the most reliable units in the MAC. Wide receiver Trayvon Rudolph headlines a talented group of pass-catching options.
Whoever wins the quarterback gig will enter an extremely favorable situation.
Defensively, the line is projected to start three seniors. There’s experience and size up front, and the cornerbacks are among the best in the league. A good Northern Illinois team returns a lot, setting the Huskies up for another respectable season with the MAC title as a realistic ceiling.
2024 Northern Illinois Football Season Prediction
I’ll take Northern Illinois to go Over 6.5 wins, and I won’t be surprised at all if the Huskies win the MAC.
Yes, there are questions at quarterback, but the Huskies should receive competent quarterback play from one of the three guys in the mix for the job.
After going 7-6 last year with a Power Four win over Boston College, it’s hard to see the Huskies taking a step back. They went 2-5 in one-possession games last year, so a 10-win season wasn’t out of the question.
With better fortunes in close games, Northern Illinois could push for nine or 10 wins in 2024. Outside of Notre Dame and NC State, every game on the schedule is winnable, and they could prove feisty in those games against P4 opponents.
