Northern Illinois at Wyoming - 2026 Matchup Preview
Northern Illinois logo

Northern Illinois Huskies at Wyoming Cowboys

Wyoming logo
Saturday, October 17th 2026 (12:00 PM EDT)
War Memorial Stadium - Laramie, WY  (Mountain West)

 
Huskies (0 - 0) (0 - 0 - 0)
Coach Rob Harley (0 - 0)
Avg Score : 17 - 24 (16 - 28 on Road)
Record Prediction: 3.8 - 8.2 (#91)
'26 Opponents: (Elite: 0) (Good: 2) (Avg: 1) (Bad: 8)
WYO is playing their 7th straight game
Our Line: Wyoming -9.5  (SP+ WYO -5)

Projected Score: NIU: 15 - WYO: 25 (40)
WYO Win prob: 79% | Cover: 55%
NIU Travel: 867 miles, 1 hrs ahead
Cowboys (0 - 0) (0 - 0 - 0)
Coach Jay Sawvel (7 - 17)
Avg Score : 16 - 21 (21 - 18 @ Home)
Record Prediction: 5.9 - 6.1 (#66)
'26 Opponents: (Elite: 0) (Good: 0) (Avg: 1) (Bad: 10)
 
Northern Illinois's 2026 Schedule
DateMatchupSpreadTotalResultO/UCover
Sat 9/5Northern Illinois at Iowa+35
Sat 9/12Northern Illinois vs Illinois State-7.5
Sat 9/19Northern Illinois at Arizona+27.5
Sat 9/26Northern Illinois at Georgia State-0
— Bye Week —
Sat 10/10Northern Illinois vs Air Force+6
Sat 10/17Northern Illinois at Wyoming+9.5
Sat 10/24Northern Illinois vs Hawai'i+12
Sat 10/31Northern Illinois at UNLV+20.5
Sat 11/7Northern Illinois at San José State+3
Sat 11/14Northern Illinois vs Nevada-3
Sat 11/21Northern Illinois at North Dakota State+17.5
Sat 11/28Northern Illinois vs UTEP-1.5

Total: Elite: 0, Good: 2, Avg 1, Bad 2, Poor 6
Played: Elite: 0, Good: 0, Avg 0, Bad 0, Poor 0
Future: Elite: 0, Good: 2, Avg 1, Bad 2, Poor 6
Wins: Elite: 0, Good: 0, Avg: 0, Bad: 0, Poor: 0
Losses: Elite: 0, Good: 0, Avg: 0, Bad: 0, Poor: 0

Predictions for Northern Illinois's Schedule
Wyoming's 2026 Schedule
DateMatchupSpreadTotalResultO/UCover
Sat 9/5Wyoming at Colorado State+0.5
Sat 9/12Wyoming vs Northern Colorado-15
Sat 9/19Wyoming at Central Michigan+3.5
Sat 9/26Wyoming vs Hawai'i+5
Sat 10/3Wyoming at North Dakota State+10.5
Sat 10/10Wyoming at San José State-4
Sat 10/17Wyoming vs Northern Illinois-9.5
Sat 10/24Wyoming vs Air Force-1.5
— Bye Week —
Sat 11/7Wyoming at UNLV+13.5
Sat 11/14Wyoming at UTEP-3.5
Sat 11/21Wyoming vs New Mexico+6.5
Sat 11/28Wyoming vs UConn+4

Total: Elite: 0, Good: 0, Avg 1, Bad 4, Poor 6
Played: Elite: 0, Good: 0, Avg 0, Bad 0, Poor 0
Future: Elite: 0, Good: 0, Avg 1, Bad 4, Poor 6
Wins: Elite: 0, Good: 0, Avg: 0, Bad: 0, Poor: 0
Losses: Elite: 0, Good: 0, Avg: 0, Bad: 0, Poor: 0

Predictions for Wyoming's Schedule
Important Stats (2025)
 Teams                  Off Explosive.Off SuccessPPGRush SuccessOL Yds Per AttRush YPGPass SuccessPass YPGOff ScoreZoneDef Explosive.Def SuccessDef PPGRunD SuccessPass D SuccessDef ScoreZonePenalty YPGTO PGDef TO PG
NIU#126 (.04)34% (132)17.138% (116)2.84 (84)18628% (136)993.04 (121)#86 (.19)44% (100)24.346% (111)41% (65)3.45 (49)380.91.1
WYO#123 (.05)38% (116)1638% (117)2.74 (108)13239% (103)1832.9 (127)#22 (.07)38% (24)20.540% (47)37% (20)2.77 (11)56.31.51.3
 Teams                  Off Explosive.Off SuccessPPGRush SuccessOL Yds Per AttRush YPGPass SuccessPass YPGOff ScoreZoneDef Explosive.Def SuccessDef PPGRunD SuccessPass D SuccessDef ScoreZonePenalty YPGTO PGDef TO PG
NIU0%0%000%000%0%0%0000
WYO0%0%000%000%0%0%0000



Overall Stats 2025
 Teams                  GamesPPGPPG H/RSuccess RatePts PerOppTO1stD PGTotalYds PGRushYds PGPassYdsPGRYPARun RatePass RateRun SuccessPass SuccessHavoc RateTotal PPA
NIU Offense1217.116.334.5%3.040.915284186994.565%34%38%28%13%.04
WYO Defense1220.518.338%2.771.3 - - - - - 55%44%40%37%13%.07
 Teams                  GamesPPGPPG H/RSuccess RatePts PerOppTO1stD PGTotalYds PGRushYds PGPassYdsPGRYPARun RatePass RateRun SuccessPass SuccessHavoc RateTotal PPA
NIU Defense1224.327.844.1%3.451.1 - - - - - 58%40%46%41%11%.19
WYO Offense121620.738.1%2.91.5183151321834.147%51%38%39%19%.05

Additional Stats 2025
 Teams                  GamesPossession Time1st Downs PG3rd Down %4th Down %Penalties PGPenalty Yds PGOff TO PGDef TO PGTFL PGSacks PGD/ST TDsAvg Field Pos
Northern Illinois1229:131532%59%4.3380.91.13.31.2127.3
Wyoming1228:3117.734%52%6.656.31.51.34.41.3325.5
Run Game Stats (2026)
 Teams                  GamesRun Play RateRun Play SuccessRush Att PGRush Yds PGRush Yds Per AttRushing TDsRun Pred Pts AddedOL Yds Per Att3rd/4th & ShortFront 7 HavocRun Play Explosivness
NIU Offense1265% (6)38% (116)41.4185.64.516 (122).11 (73)2.84 (84)69% (85)10% (87)1.11 (15)
WYO Defense1255% (120)40% (47) - - - - .09 (60)3 (94)74% (93)8% (121)0.93 (53)
 Teams                  GamesRun Play RateRun Play SuccessRush Att PGRush Yds PGRush Yds Per AttRushing TDsRun Pred Pts AddedOL Yds Per Att3rd/4th & ShortFront 7 HavocRun Play Explosivness
NIU Defense1258% (132)46% (111) - - - - .17 (107)3.18 (117)72% (78)7% (134)0.95 (62)
WYO Offense1247% (93)38% (117)32.4131.84.19 (107).02 (119)2.74 (108)56% (135)10% (91)0.96 (67)

Pass Game Stats (2026)
 Teams                  GamesPassPlay RatePassPlay SuccessComp PGAtt PGYds PGYds PAYds PCTDs    Ints    PassPlays PPAPassPlays ExplPassDowns RatePassDowns Succ RatePassDowns PPADB HavocPassDowns Expl
NIU Offense1234% (131)28% (136)10.820.398.84.99.28 (128)6 (60) (134)1.6 (32)34% (116)23% (132).13 (127)3% (4)2.1 (46)
WYO Defense1244% (17)37% (20) - - - - - - 10 (75).13 (18)1.6 (92)34% (26)27% (25).17 (22)6% (86)1.9 (42)
 Teams                  GamesPassPlay RatePassPlay SuccessComp PGAtt PGYds PGYds PAYds PCTDs    Ints    PassPlays PPAPassPlays ExplPassDowns RatePassDowns Succ RatePassDowns PPADB HavocPassDowns Expl
NIU Defense1240% (5)41% (65) - - - - - - 9 (55).19 (45)1.5 (55)28% (120)36% (130).5 (134)5% (114)2.1 (108)
WYO Offense1251% (51)39% (103)17.9321835.710.213 (86)12 (108).12 (121)1.4 (132)35% (122)25% (118).16 (119)9% (132)1.8 (123)

Northern Illinois's Power Ratings
Northern Illinois's Power Rating: -14.82  #130
Northern Illinois's Offense Rating: 2.73  #128
Northern Illinois's Defense Rating: 22.55  #121
2026 Talent Rating: 564.00  #102
Blue Chip Ratio: 0%  #103
Northern Illinois's 2026 Expected Record: 3.8 - 8.2
Northern Illinois's 2026 Overall SP+ Rating: -16.7  #128
Northern Illinois's Offense SP+ Rating: 12.0  #135
Northern Illinois's Defense SP+ Rating: 28.1  #74

Average Talent
Average Mountain West Talent Rating is 486.6
Average Power Five Talent: 910.63
Average FBS Talent: 728.81

Power Ratings Matchup
Northern Illinois: -14.82   Wyoming: -6.245

SP+ Ratings Matchup
Northern Illinois: -16.7   Wyoming: -11.3




Wyoming's Power Ratings
Wyoming's Power Rating: -6.245  #97
Wyoming's Offense Rating: 6.95  #106
Wyoming's Defense Rating: 18.14  #84
2026 Talent Rating: 572.00  #101
Blue Chip Ratio: 1  #88
Wyoming's 2026 Expected Record: 5.9 - 6.1
Wyoming's 2026 Overall SP+ Rating: -11.3  #110
Wyoming's Offense SP+ Rating: 15.3  #129
Wyoming's Defense SP+ Rating: 24.7  #55

Average Talent
Average Mountain West Talent Rating is 486.6
Average Power Five Talent: 910.63
Average FBS Talent: 728.81


Northern Illinois Scoring
Offense: 17.1 PPG
Offense on Road: 16.3
Defense: 24.3 PPG
Defense on Road: 27.8

Northern Illinois's 2026 Record
Record: 0 - 0
Record vs Spread: 0 - 0 - 0
Over/Under Record: 0 - 0
Record on Road: 0 - 0
Record vs Spread on Road: 0 - 0 - 0
Projected Score
Wyoming 25
Northern Illinois 15


Projected Total Points: 40
Wyoming Scoring
Offense: 16 PPG
Offense at Home: 20.7
Defense: 20.5 PPG
Defense at Home: 18.3

Wyoming's 2026 Record
Record: 0 - 0
Record vs Spread: 0 - 0 - 0
Over/Under Record: 0 - 0
Record at home: 0 - 0
Record vs Spread at home: 0 - 0 - 0


YearDateHomeScoreAwayScoreSpreadCoverTotalO/U
202109/11Northern Illinois43Wyoming50Wyoming -7NA44.0Over
201609/03Wyoming40Northern Illinois34Northern Illinois -10.5Wyoming54.0Over
TeamWinsCoversO/U
Wyoming212 Overs
Northern Illinois000 Unders

WinsCoversFavsDogs
Home Teams1 - 11 - 00 - 01 - 0
Road Teams1 - 10 - 10 - 10 - 0

(#130) NIU at (#97) WYO
Overall StatsOvr
CategoryCatNIUWYO
Net PPPPPPNRNR
Power RatePwr #130 #97
SP+SP+ #128 #110
Perf GradeGradeNRNR
OffenseOffNRNR
DefenseDefNRNR
Spec TeamsSTNRNR
TalentTal #102 #101
Blue ChipsBC% #103 #88
Northern Illinois Notes
(3/3) Vibes: HC left, only 2 portals? Moved to MWC?
(3/3) QB Holst is back, but there's nothing good here
(3/3) RBs Wright & Johnson productive duo, have depth
(3/3) WR unit may be worst in CFB on paper.
(3/3) OL has 1.5 starters back, have bodies, very young
(3/3) F7 lacks experience, size, production
(3/3) DBs have exp and some depth.
(3/3) Program is flailing and lost. Rather depressing
(2/18) DC Rob Harley Int HC, Hammock left for NFL.
Northern Illinois Injury Report
Wyoming Notes
(3/3) Vibes: Up? This off could be better/fun.
(3/3) Started LY 2-0, finished 2-8 (2-6 in MWC)
(3/3) QB Hughes (W&M) was really great add, mobile
(3/3) RB Holman (FCS) + Hubbard (WVU) good adds
(3/3) WR is a problem, only 1 has 100 yds. Weak
(3/3) OL has 4 decent looking starters, 3 portals.
(3/3) DL relying on 4 FCS portals, but have some depth
(3/3) DBs have decent CBs, exp at S. 5 portal adds
(3/3) Wyo is trying, adding interesting portals
Wyoming Injury Report
Northern Illinois on Offense
Very Run heavy Offense 65%, Pass: 34%
CategoryCat
NIU OffWYO Def
PPPOffPPPNRNR
Perf GradePerfNRNR
SuccessSuc #132 #24
ExplosiveExp #57 #47
PPAPPA #126 #22
PowerPwr #128 #84
SP+SP+ #135 #55
Pts POPPO #121 #11
HavocHav #29 #119
Northern Illinois Run Game
Very Run heavy Offense 65%, Pass: 34%
CategoryCat
NIU OffWYO Def
Run GameRunNRNR
Run SuccessRSuc #116 #47
Run ExplRExp #15 #53
PPAExp #73 #60
Run BlockR BlkNR -
OL YdsOLY #84 #94
Stuff RateStuff #60 #105
TackleTak - NR
Northern Illinois Pass Game
Very Run heavy Offense 65%, Pass: 34%
CategoryCat
NIU OffWYO Def
Pass GamePassNRNR
Pass SuccessPSuc #136 #20
Pass ExplPExl #32 #92
PPAExp #134 #18
Pass Rush/BlockP BlkNRNR
F7 HavocF7 #87 #121
DB HavocDB #4 #86
Wyoming on Offense
Balanced offense, Pass: 51%, Run: 47%
CategoryCatWYO OffNIU Def
PPPDefPPPNRNR
Perf GradePerfNRNR
SuccessSuc #116 #100
ExplosiveExp #117 #40
PPAPPA #123 #86
PowerPwr #106 #121
SP+SP+ #129 #74
Pts POPPO #127 #49
HavocHav #124 #132
Wyoming Run Game
Balanced offense, Pass: 51%, Run: 47%
CategoryCat
WYO OffNIU Def
Run GameRunNRNR
Run SuccessRSuc #117 #111
Run ExplRExp #67 #62
PPAExp #119 #107
Run BlockR BlkNR -
OL YdsOLY #108 #117
Stuff RateStuff #116 #119
TackleTak - NR
Wyoming Pass Game
Balanced offense, Pass: 51%, Run: 47%
CategoryCatWYO OffNIU Def
Pass GamePassNRNR
Pass SuccessPSuc #103 #65
Pass ExplPExl #132 #55
PPAExp #121 #45
Pass Block/RushP BlkNRNR
F7 HavocF7 #91 #134
DB HavocDB #132 #114
Program Comparison
WYO 5 Year Profile: Consistent Below Avg G5
'26 Profile: Remains Below Avg G5

NIU 5 Year Profile: Declining Below Avg G5
'26 Profile: Up to Poor G5

Weather Forecast
Playing in War Memorial Stadium
Conditions:
Temp: 0°
No Matchups Past 4 Years
  
NIU's OC Quinn Sanders (in his first season)
Player NameCOMPATTPCTYDSTDINTYPA
Josh Holst7813060%689435.3
Brady Davidson408746%384334.4
Player NameCARYDSTDYPCLONG
Chavon Wright19687554.545
Telly Johnson Jr.12469045.680
Jalen Macon4521654.836
Lazaro Rogers3318915.776
Player NameRECYDSTDYPCLONG
Rickey Taylor Jr.9134114.941
Telly Johnson Jr.169706.117
Elijah Porter167167.067
George Dimopoulos115805.319

View Northern Illinois's Full Roster

NIU's DC Rob Harley (in his first season)
Top DefTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
Mark Hensley315110
Donte Harrison302005
Jay'Shon Thomas193250
James Finley150002
SacksTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
Jay'Shon Thomas193250
Mark Hensley315110
Landon Tate30000
Malik Armstrong10000
Pass DTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
Donte Harrison302005
Dev'ion Reynolds130003
James Finley150002

WYO's OC Christian Taylor (in his first season)
Player NameCOMPATTPCTYDSTDINTYPA
Tyler Hughes (Tr)20430866%23302037.6
Mason Drube203853%187014.9
Player NameCARYDSTDYPCLONG
Markell Holman (Tr)22799974.432
Tyler Hughes (Tr)155670114.366
Samuel Harris10055215.550
Diore Hubbard (Tr)9633543.529
Player NameRECYDSTDYPCLONG
Markell Holman (Tr)3931428.127
Samuel Harris16184011.552
Diore Hubbard (Tr)1615609.869
Eric Richardson10112111.241

View Wyoming's Full Roster

WYO's DC Aaron Bohl (been DC for 3 years)
Top DefTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
Jones Thomas461004
Ethan Stuhlsatz402001
Desman Hearns283005
Travis Franklin Jr. (Tr)250004
SacksTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
Jack Dunkley (Tr)42100
Esaia Bogar122101
Jones Thomas461004
Ian Bell20000
Pass DTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
Desman Hearns283005
Jones Thomas461004
Travis Franklin Jr. (Tr)250004