Huskies Come Home!
Save the Date for NIU’s 119th Homecoming Celebration
NIU is excited to welcome Huskies home for our 119th Homecoming celebration happening the week of Oct. 5 - 11, 2026.
Years of NIU Homecoming
Days of celebration
NIU Alumni in 150 Countries
Featured Events
Below is a sneak peek of some events being planned for our 119th Homecoming celebration. With the exception of the Homecoming Football game, dates and times are subject to change. Check back for updates and more events to be added.
Get Ready for Game Day!
Let’s pack Huskie Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026!
Come cheer at NIU’s Homecoming football game, where the Huskies will take on the Air Force Falcons. The game begins at 6:30 p.m. Season tickets are now on sale and single game tickets will soon be made available.
Option 1 (NIU Huskie Pride with Victor E. Eyes)
Option 2 (Huskies Marquee)
Option 3 (Huskie Pride - NIU 1895 Burst)
Vote on 2026 Pride with Purpose Shirt
Each year, the campus community is invited to vote for the design of the Pride with Purpose shirt. Cast a vote for your favorite design by Friday, June 26. The winning design will be produced in limited quantities and released for purchase during Homecoming week.
Option 1 (NIU Huskie Pride with Victor E. Eyes)
Option 2 (Huskies Marquee)
Option 3 (Huskie Pride - NIU 1895 Burst)
Book Your Stay
Be sure to reserve local lodging accommodations so you are only minutes away from all the fun and festivities happening on campus and in the community.
Homecoming History
Dating back to a series of 11 football games against alumni teams that began in 1903, Northern Illinois University’s Homecoming tradition evolved into the oldest major-college tradition in the state and one of the longest in the country. In 1906, Northern’s student newspaper referred to that weekend as “Home Coming.”
Something Old But Always Something New
While every Homecoming celebration at NIU is different, one thing remains the same—Huskies enjoy a week of events that celebrate our Huskie Pride. View these recap videos from NIU’s Homecoming celebrations in 2024 and 2023 to get a taste of what’s in store when you return for our 119th celebration!