Northern Illinois University has announced their men's tennis schedule for the 2026-27 season, featuring a combination of fall tournaments and a robust spring lineup. The Huskies will kick off the season at the Milwaukee Tennis Classic in September, followed by hosting the River Forest Collegiate Invitational. NIU aims to build on a strong 2026 season, where they achieved 18 dual match wins and a conference championship appearance. The team will compete in the Horizon League, which they joined earlier this year, aiming for dominance in their first season.

By the Numbers
  • 13 home matches planned for the spring season.
  • NIU won 18 dual matches in 2026, finishing with a conference championship appearance.
  • The team hosts doubleheaders on March 6 against Grinnell and Missouri Baptist.
Yes, But

The transition to the Horizon League presents challenges, as the competition includes teams with strong past performances. Notre Dame and Wisconsin, both of whom qualified for the NCAA tournament, highlight the increased level of competition NIU will face. Maintaining their past success will require adapting to these new challenges.

State of Play
  • The Huskies have a critical slate of 20 dual matches, with most at home.
  • They will face non-conference opponents such as Notre Dame and Wisconsin early in the season.
  • In mid-February, they will embark on a six-match homestand.
What's Next

As the season approaches, the focus is on integrating new strategies to tackle the challenges of the Horizon League while leveraging the advantages of a home-heavy schedule. The team will be looking to set the stage for a strong conference showing and aim for deep postseason runs in the Horizon League Championship scheduled from April 30 to May 2.

Bottom Line

NIU's men's tennis team is poised for a challenging yet promising season, with a mix of experienced and new opponents. The emphasis on home matches and strategic planning positions them well to compete at a high level, making the 2026-27 season a key opportunity for growth and success.