Northern Illinois University Athletics Gear Up for Busy Week of Competition

Basketball, baseball, softball, and more take the court, field, and ice for the Huskies

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Northern Illinois University is set for a packed week of athletic competition, with ten programs across various sports taking the court, field, or ice. The men's and women's basketball teams look to build on recent momentum, while the baseball and softball teams kick off their 2026 seasons.

Why it matters

As a mid-major university, NIU's athletic programs are an important source of pride and community engagement for the DeKalb area. This busy week showcases the breadth and depth of the Huskies' sports offerings, highlighting the university's commitment to providing a well-rounded student-athlete experience.

The details

The men's basketball team returns to Mid-American Conference play after a road win at Georgia State, hosting Bowling Green on Wednesday and traveling to Central Michigan on Saturday. The women's basketball team concludes a three-game homestand, facing UMass on Tuesday and Akron on Saturday. The baseball team opens its season with a three-game series at North Carolina A&T, while the softball team heads to Texas for the Bevo Classic, including a matchup with the 2025 NCAA champion Texas Longhorns. Additionally, several other NIU programs, including gymnastics, wrestling, golf, tennis, and track and field, will be in action this week.

  • The men's basketball team hosts Bowling Green on Wednesday, February 12 at 7 p.m.
  • The men's basketball team travels to Central Michigan on Saturday, February 15 at 4 p.m.
  • The women's basketball team hosts UMass on Tuesday, February 11 at 6 p.m.
  • The women's basketball team hosts Akron on Saturday, February 15 at 1 p.m.
  • The baseball team opens its season with a three-game series at North Carolina A&T, starting on Friday, February 14 at 2 p.m.

The players

Makhai Valentine

A key player for the NIU men's basketball team, who led the Huskies in scoring with 23 points and five three-pointers in their recent win at Georgia State.

Nevaeh Wingate

A standout player for the NIU women's basketball team, who scored the game-winning layup with 0.6 seconds remaining in the Huskies' recent 71-69 victory over Texas State.

Emilie Sorensen

A freshman on the NIU women's basketball team, who contributed 21 points, including a season-high six three-pointers, in the Huskies' win over Texas State.

Gavin Baldwin

A fifth-year first baseman for the NIU baseball team, who was recently named to D1 Baseball's Preseason Top 50 First Basemen after batting .322 with 18 doubles, 15 home runs, and 57 RBI in 2025.

Ryan Copeland

The head coach of the NIU baseball team, who is entering his second season with the Huskies.

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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 (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.