Illinois State vs Northern Illinois Prediction 9/12/2026 Today’s College Football Picks

The Illinois State Redbirds and the Northern Illinois Huskies meet Saturday in college football action from Huskie Stadium in DeKalb. Here’s an Illinois State vs Northern Illinois prediction. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best Illinois State vs Northern Illinois pick. We will examine the recent form and player performances for both teams, as well as the recent betting trends and streaks pertaining to this matchup. As we conclude, we will tie it all together with a summary that produces a sensible pick for a favorable betting outcome in this game.

Illinois State Redbirds Betting Preview

The Redbirds have two games in the books already. First was an easy outing versus St. Francis, and in that one the Redbirds scored 20 or more points in each of the first three quarters. The result was a 76-0 blowout win. QB Gage Roy was a perfect 10-of-10 for 85 yards and three scores.

In game two versus Western Illinois, the Redbirds continued their dominance. Illinois State scored points in every quarter on the way to a 41-10 victory. Roy had 125 yards and a TD passing this time, and Beckham Pellant was 8-of-22 for 132 yards, one TD and one pick. Victor Dawson added 20 carries for 73 yards and two scores.

Northern Illinois Huskies Betting Preview

Over on the Northern Illinois side, they didn’t have a great year in 2025. The Huskies went just 3-9 overall with a 2-6 run in the Mid-American Conference. That would put NIU in second-to-last place among the standings, ahead of only UMass. Northern Illinois finished the year on a 1-3 run with losses to Toledo, Western Michigan and Kent State.

In their first action of the 2026 season last weekend, the Huskies took on Iowa. NIU was blitzed 33-0 in the first half and limped to a 40-0 loss in the end. QB Taron Dickens put up 96 yards and a pick on 9-of-14 passing and Telly Johnson led the rush with eight carries for just 16 yards.

Illinois State Redbirds @ Northern Illinois Huskies Betting Trends: Week 2

Northern Illinois Huskies Player Prop Facts

• Heading into Week 2, Glen Weber ranks T1st amongst qualified players for catch rate (100.0%) this season.

Matchup/League Facts

• Northern Illinois ranks 3rd among FBS teams for sacks this season (6.0).
• Northern Illinois ranks 135th among FBS teams for Q1 opponent points per game this season (20.0).

Illinois State vs Northern Illinois Prediction

I’ll try Illinois State in this one. The Redbirds have looked sharp so far, but to be fair they’ve played a couple of overmatched teams in the process. Illinois State racked up 496 yards (239 rushing) in their win over Western Illinois, along with 29 first downs and 11-of-16 on third-down tries. The defense gave up just 52 rush yards, 15 first downs and 4-of-15 on third downs as well.

As for Northern Illinois, they played a tough Iowa squad in their first game and will certainly look better this weekend. The Huskies gained just 120 yards against the Hawkeyes with 2.2 yards per play and seven first downs. The defense gave up 507 yards (289 rushing) and 26 first downs. NIU has a comparatively much easier matchup here but I like the Redbirds to power out a cover.

Andrew Jett's Pick: Illinois State Redbirds +3.5