Running back depth. Big plays from the defensive line. And an emerging starter quarterback. Here are five observations from NIU's practice on Saturday.

NIU AD Sean Frazier calls joining the Mountain West for football only the beach house. Joining the Horizon League for most non-football sports is the lake house. Those assets should help the university increase its revenue, a necessity in a post-House settlement world.

Northern Illinois University is navigating a seismic shift in college athletics, as athletic director Sean Frazier seeks to balance historic ideals with new revenue-sharing opportunities, following the House vs. NCAA settlement that permits athletes to be compensated directly.

Northern Illinois University is navigating a seismic shift in college athletics, as athletic director Sean Frazier seeks to balance historic ideals with new revenue-sharing opportunities, following the House vs. NCAA settlement that permits athletes to be compensated directly.

Developing young players while continuing to adapt to new offensive and defensive schemes were the focus of NIU's first fall practice on Wednesday.

The stream of lawsuits across the country from college athletes trying to grab another season of eligibility appears ready to fizzle out for a bit

NIU was picked fifth Thursday in the MAC preseason coaches poll. Last week in Chicago, NIC coach Thomas Hammock talked about why he felt preseason polls are outdated in the current college football landscape.

As college football players navigate the evolving financial landscape, NIU linebacker Quinn Urwiler insists on prioritizing passion over profit, embodying a resilient mentality that fuels this season's quest for greatness.

NIU on Tuesday named hall of famer and Sycamore native Nita Teague head coach of the gymnastics program, removing the interim title she’s held for almost a year.