The Northern Illinois University football team celebrates seven players selected to the Phil Steele Preseason All-Mountain West Team. Among them are four offensive players: running back Telly Johnson Jr., wide receiver DeAree Rogers, and cornerback Dev'ion Reynolds on the Third Team, while offensive linemen Landon Hron and Ross Liegel, linebacker Jashawn Nelson, and kicker Ryan Short made the Fourth Team. Johnson, who rushed for 712 yards last season, leads the group, followed by Rogers, who posted 506 receiving yards and three touchdowns. The players will aim to elevate the Huskies' performance as they enter their first season in the Mountain West Conference.

By the Numbers
  • Telly Johnson Jr. recorded 712 rushing yards and four touchdowns in 2025.
  • DeAree Rogers had 506 receiving yards with three touchdowns in his first year at NIU.
State of Play
  • The Huskies finished strong last season with a rushing average of 187.1 yards per game.
  • NIU allowed only 1.58 sacks per game, placing them among the top 40 in the FBS.
What's Next

As the Huskies prepare for their first game at Iowa on September 5, fans are eager to see how these standout players contribute to the team’s success in a new conference. Season ticket sales indicate strong community interest in the upcoming season.

Bottom Line

The selection of seven Huskies to the preseason team highlights the program's rising talent and potential this upcoming season, suggesting that fans should look forward to a competitive showing in the Mountain West.