NIU is set to move from the Mid-American Conference to the Mountain West Conference for football in 2026. On Jan. 7, the NIU Board of Trustees approved a $2 million entrance fee for NIU to switch conferences in 2026.
NIU students provided their thoughts on the move and whether they think it is beneficial.
Malcham Rogers, a first-year accountancy major, believes by moving to the Mountain West, players will get more attention from National Football League teams.
Q: “What do you think about NIU moving to the Mountain West Conference?”
A: “I mean, I think it’s actually pretty good because, like, the games, they are going to be moving to different times, because like I said nobody wants to be there on a Tuesday or Wednesday night at a football game. Plus I see it as, like, face bigger competition, they get more outlook from NFL programs because these games are going to be streamed now on TNT, so they can get that potential to grow and actually get looked at by NFL teams, so it’s just better for their future if they move to this conference.”
Eli Altamirano, a sophomore education major, believes the move to the Mountain West conference may give NIU more funding.
Q: “What do you think about NIU moving to the Mountain West Conference instead of the MAC?”
A: “I feel like it’s a good move for the sport. We had a big year with beating Notre Dame, my record wasn’t that bad this year either, so I feel like it’ll give us more publicity, maybe even higher funding. It’s just a good thing for the school. I mean football is a huge thing we have here at NIU, so I’d say it’s a good thing for the most part.”
Omar Reyes, a sophomore illustrationmajor, would rather go to football games on the weekends than weekdays.
Q: “What are your thoughts about the move to the Mountain West Conference?”
A: “I think it’s a good idea. I really do think that it’ll do some good for the school in my personal opinion.”
Q: “Would you much rather go to a game on a Friday or Saturday compared to Tuesday night?”
A: “Oh yeah, totally on Friday nights or on the weekends.”
J.C. La Barbera, a junior mechatronics engineering major, is excited to see the new possibilities with NIU’s change of conferences.
Q: “What are your thoughts on NIU moving to the Mountain West Conference?”
A: “Obviously it’s a big change, but I’m really excited to see the new possibilities we could have, both in terms of our football team specifically and bringing awareness to campus in general.”
Q: “Have you ever gone to a MACtion game, like on a Tuesday or Wednesday night.”
A: “I have. So, I’m a member of the marching band so I’m at all of the football games.”