Miami RedHawks Remain Undefeated, Host NIU Huskies

The unbeaten RedHawks look to extend their historic home winning streak against Northern Illinois.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 12:31pm

The undefeated Miami RedHawks men's basketball team, currently 21-0, hosts the Northern Illinois Huskies in a Mid-American Conference matchup. Miami is looking to extend its home winning streak to 28 games, which would tie Akron for the longest active streak in Division I. The RedHawks, led by fourth-year head coach Travis Steele, are in the running to finish the regular season undefeated for the first time since 2020-21 Gonzaga.

Why it matters

The RedHawks' undefeated start has made them one of the top stories in college basketball this season. A win over NIU would keep them on track to potentially complete the first undefeated regular season in Division I since 2020-21. Miami is also competing with Akron for the longest active home winning streak in the country.

The details

Miami enters the game as a 17.5-point favorite over Northern Illinois, which is coming off a 20-point win against Western Michigan. The RedHawks have improved their win total in each of Steele's four seasons as head coach, culminating in a program-record 25 wins last year.

  • The game tips off at Millett Hall in Oxford, Ohio on January 31, 2026.
  • Akron currently holds the longest active home winning streak in Division I at 28 games.

The players

Travis Steele

In his fourth season as head coach of the Miami RedHawks, Steele has led the team to a 73-46 overall record and the most wins in a season in program history last year.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

What’s next

A win over NIU would move Miami into a tie with Akron for the longest active home winning streak in Division I men's basketball.

The takeaway

The RedHawks' undefeated start has made them a national story, and a win over NIU would keep them on track for a potential undefeated regular season and a chance to tie the longest active home winning streak in Division I.