NIU Huskies athletics is set for an exciting week with the women's soccer home opener, men's soccer road games, and a volleyball exhibition. Men's soccer kicks off the 2026 season with matches against Butler and Loyola Chicago, both having new head coaches. The women's soccer team hosts Northern Iowa after a draw with DePaul, and the volleyball team plays Illinois State in an exhibition game. Overall, there's significant action on the field with teams looking to build momentum early in the season.

By the Numbers
  • NIU men's soccer finished 8-5-4 last season, sharing the MVC title.
  • The volleyball exhibition against Illinois State is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 22, at 2 p.m.
Yes, But

While the men's soccer team is favored third in the Horizon League, both upcoming opponents are led by new head coaches, which can create unpredictability in match outcomes.

State of Play
  • Men's soccer has two away games to kick off their season, starting at Butler on Aug. 20.
  • The women's soccer team is looking to secure a victory against Northern Iowa at home after a mixed opening weekend.
What's Next

Following these matches, the men's and women's soccer teams aim for solid performances to establish early season confidence, while volleyball prepares for regular-season action at the Southern Indiana Invitational.

Bottom Line

This week marks a pivotal moment for NIU athletics as all teams are poised to make their mark and set the tone for the rest of the season; successful showings could lead to increased momentum moving forward.