NIU to Face North Dakota State in Updated Mountain West Schedule

The conference schedule changes include new opponent NDSU and the removal of New Mexico.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The Mountain West Conference has updated its 2026 football schedule, with Northern Illinois University now set to face the conference's newest addition, North Dakota State University. The Huskies and Bison last played in 1968 and 1969, with NDSU winning both matchups. The updated schedule also removes New Mexico from NIU's slate and changes the location of a few other games.

Why it matters

This schedule change represents a new challenge for the Huskies as they enter their second season in the Mountain West Conference. Facing a strong NDSU program will test NIU, while the removal of New Mexico alters the team's conference opponents. These updates could impact the Huskies' performance and standing within the league.

The details

The Mountain West announced the updated 2026 football schedule on Tuesday. NIU will now travel to Fargo to take on North Dakota State, a team they last faced in 1968 and 1969. The Bison won both of those previous meetings. The league is still playing an eight-game conference schedule, but New Mexico has been removed from the Huskies' slate. Additionally, NIU's home game against Air Force has been changed to a home contest, while their road trip to Wyoming will now be a home game.

  • The Mountain West updated its 2026 conference schedule on Tuesday, February 25, 2026.
  • NIU and North Dakota State last played in 1968 and 1969, with the Bison winning both games.

The players

Jalen Macon

Northern Illinois University's quarterback.

Jason Fowler

Northern Illinois University's tight end.

Thomas Hammock

Former seven-year head coach of the Northern Illinois Huskies who recently resigned to take a coaching job with the Seattle Seahawks.

Rob Harley

Northern Illinois University's defensive coordinator, who was named the interim head coach and is expected to keep the job through the 2026 season.

North Dakota State

The newest member of the Mountain West Conference, which will now face Northern Illinois University in the 2026 season.

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What they’re saying

“The Mountain West updated its schedule Tuesday, with NIU now scheduled to face the conference's newest addition, North Dakota State, in Fargo.”

— Eddie Carifio, Author (shawlocal.com)

What’s next

The Huskies will begin spring practice under interim head coach Rob Harley at the end of March 2026 to prepare for the upcoming season.

The takeaway

This updated Mountain West schedule presents both challenges and opportunities for the Northern Illinois Huskies. Facing a strong North Dakota State program will test the team, while the removal of New Mexico alters their conference slate. How NIU responds to these changes could significantly impact their performance and standing within the league in the 2026 season.