Northern Illinois returns to DeKalb on Saturday to host Hawai‘i for the teams’ first meeting, with the game part of NIU’s Hall of Fame Weekend. The Huskies enter at 0-6, while Hawai‘i is 1-6; NIU will also honor its 2026 Hall of Fame class.

By the Numbers
  • Kickoff: Saturday, Oct. 24, at 2:30 p.m. CT; broadcast on MW+.
  • NIU running back Telly Johnson Jr. rushed for 139 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries last week.
  • Hawai‘i quarterback Micah Alejado averages 266.1 passing yards and 43.6 attempts per game.
  • NIU has held four of its last five opponents below 200 passing yards.
Yes, But

NIU is still searching for its first win, but its offense showed signs of life with 392 yards last week. The Huskies’ recent success limiting opponents’ passing yards will be tested by a Hawai‘i team that leads the Mountain West in passing.

What’s Next

NIU begins back-to-back road games at UNLV on Saturday, Oct. 31, with kickoff set for 9:30 p.m. CT on CBS Sports Network.

Bottom Line

NIU’s homecoming weekend pairs Hall of Fame celebrations with a matchup that could hinge on whether its defense can slow Hawai‘i’s high-volume passing attack.