The Northern Illinois Huskies have built a lasting legacy in college sports through dedication and teamwork. Competing in the Mid-American Conference, the university has produced outstanding moments in both Northern Illinois Huskies football and Northern Illinois Huskies baseball. Their commitment to athletic excellence continues to inspire fans and student-athletes across generations.
College Sports Established
1895
Location
DeKalb, Illinois
College Name
Northern Illinois University
Collegiate History
1975 - Present / NCAA Division I
Conference History
1975 - 1986, 1998 - Present / MAC Conference
1994 - 1997 / Midwestern Collegiate Conference
1990 - 1994 / Mid-Continent Conference
1987 - 1990 / Independent
1973 - 1975 / Independent
1971 - 1973 / Midwestern Conference
Nickname
Huskies - The Northern Illinois Huskies have been a powerhouse in college sports for decades. But where did the name "Huskies" come from? It's an exciting story that goes back to the early 20th century.
Northern Illinois Huskies Origin
In 1925, when Northern Illinois University was still known as Normal College, they changed their mascot from the regular “Teachers” to something more fitting of their athletic teams. After much debate and deliberation, they settled on “Huskies” – a reference to sled dogs used by Alaskan gold miners during the Klondike Gold Rush of 1897-1899. The husky breed is strong and resilient – qualities that NIU wanted its athletes and teams to embody! As such, it made perfect sense for them to adopt this nickname at that time in history when gold mining was all over newspapers and magazines around America (and even some parts of Europe).
Fast forward almost 100 years later: today, you can find Huskie pride everywhere on campus - whether it be students wearing team apparel or attending games with friends - making sure everyone knows who we are cheering for! From our humble beginnings as Normal College until now, one thing has always remained true: Go Huskies!!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1915
- 2002
- 2014
- 2019
-
Naming of “Huskies”
In 1895, Northern Illinois University (NIU) establishes its first football team, known as the “Teachers.” In 1900, The team is renamed the “Cardinals.” In 1915, The team is renamed again, this time to the “Huskies.” -
Northern Illinois Huskies win the MAC championship
In 2002, the Northern Illinois Huskies football team won the Mid-American Conference (MAC) championship with a 17-6 victory over Bowling Green State University in the MAC Championship Game. The win gave the Huskies their first conference title since 1983. As conference champions, the Huskies earned a berth in the Silicon Valley Football Classic, a post-season bowl game played in San ... -
The men’s soccer team wins the MAC championship
In 2014, the Northern Illinois University men’s soccer team won the Mid-American Conference (MAC) championship. The team, led by head coach Eric Luzzi, finished the regular season with a 7-6-5 record, which was good enough for a fourth-place finish in the MAC standings. The Huskies began their postseason run with a 3-1 victory over the Bowling Green State University Falcons ... -
Thomas Hammock – Head coach of Northern Illinois Huskies
Thomas Hammock was named the head coach of the Northern Illinois Huskies football team in January 2019. Hammock, a former running back for the Huskies, returned to his alma mater after spending several years coaching in the National Football League (NFL). In his first season as head coach, Hammock led the Huskies to a 5-7 record, which included wins over ...
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Northern Illinois Huskies History
The Northern Illinois Huskies have built one of the most respected traditions in college athletics, with roots tracing back to 1899. Known for their intense rivalry with the Western Michigan Broncos, the Northern Illinois Huskies football and Northern Illinois Huskies baseball programs have played major roles in shaping the university’s athletic reputation. Competing in the Mid-American Conference (MAC), NIU has shown consistent excellence across all major sports.
The Northern Illinois Huskies football program has been a cornerstone of the university’s athletic success. Since joining the MAC, the team has captured multiple conference championships, including seven titles since 1983. Their remarkable run from 2010 to 2014 included multiple MAC West Division crowns and a historic 2013 Orange Bowl appearance — a milestone that placed NIU among the top programs in Group of Five conferences. The football team’s consistent postseason presence continues to make them one of the most competitive programs in the Midwest.
The Northern Illinois Huskies baseball team has also contributed significantly to NIU’s athletic legacy. Established in the early 1900s, the program has seen several standout seasons, producing players who advanced to professional leagues. Their commitment to developing local talent and maintaining a strong presence in the MAC has kept Huskies baseball a vital part of the school’s sports identity.
Huskies Achievements
Beyond football and baseball, Northern Illinois has achieved success in basketball, track and field, and soccer. The men’s basketball team captured MAC tournament titles in 1996 and 2004, while the women’s track & field squad earned national recognition in the 1980s with multiple NCAA championships. The men’s soccer program made nine NCAA tournament appearances, reaching the Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight several times during its prime years.
Over the decades, the Northern Illinois Huskies have produced world-class athletes, including NFL legend Steve McMichael, MLB star Kyle Schwarber, and Olympian Shelly Steely. Their achievements highlight NIU’s commitment to excellence both on and off the field. Whether it’s Northern Illinois Huskies football, Northern Illinois Huskies baseball, or any other sport, the program continues to represent true Huskie pride — a tradition of hard work, resilience, and success that defines NIU athletics.
"Gear Up for the Best Seats in the House!"
Whether you're at the tailgate or cheering from the couch, show your true colors with authentic jerseys, sideline polos, and team-inspired street styles. Premium collegiate apparel for the ultimate fan.
Find Your Team – Official NCAA Shop
