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The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star
The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star

Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter

Skyler Kisellus is a senior at NIU majoring in sport management. He currently covers NIU’s football and men’s basketball teams and co-hosts the Star’s sports podcast, All-Star. In addition to writing and podcasting, Skyler is sadly a diehard Chicago sports fan. You can usually find him playing EA Sports College Football 25, struggling with the New York Times’ daily crossword puzzle or checking his notifications on X.

All content by Skyler Kisellus
NIU football players celebrate after a participant knocks down a tackling dummy during the Field of Dreams event Tuesday morning at Huskie Stadium. The event was hosted by the Beautiful Lives Organization, which creates custom events to promote inclusion for children and adults with mental and physical disabilities. (Skyler Kisellus | Northern Star)

NIU, Beautiful Lives Project team up for football field day

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
March 18, 2025
Redshirt senior tight end Tristen Tewes (left) engages with a blocking pad held by redshirt senior offensive lineman J.J. Lippe during NIU's Pro Day on Wednesday inside the Chessick Practice Center. Tewes and Lippe were two of the 17 Huskies to work out in front of NFL scouts. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

Huskies showcase talents for NFL scouts at Pro Day

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
March 18, 2025
Former linebacker Tyler Jackson runs the three-cone drill during NIU’s annual Pro Day on March 7, 2024, inside the Chessick Practice Center. The school will hold its next Pro Day on Monday, with 18 total players expected to attend. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

NIU to host Pro Day for draft hopefuls

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
March 15, 2025
NIU football players run onto the field ahead of their non-conference game against North Carolina State University on Sept. 28 at Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh, North Carolina. On Wednesday, NIU released its football schedule for the 2025 season, which will be its last in the Mid-American Conference. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

MAC farewell tour: NIU unveils 2025 football schedule

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
March 5, 2025
NIU men's basketball head coach Rashon Burno argues with an official during the first half of the team's home finale against Central Michigan University on March 5, 2024, inside the Convocation Center. The Huskies are 38-76 overall and 21-43 against the Mid-American Conference since Burno took over as head coach in March 2021. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

KISELLUS: NIU stuck in reverse under Rashon Burno

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
March 4, 2025
NIU men's basketball sophomore guard Nasir Muhammed (7) converts a layup after blowing past multiple Western Michigan University defenders amid the Huskies' 74-70 loss on Saturday at the Convocation Center in DeKalb. Muhammed finished the game with 6 points and 2 rebounds. (Erin Marie Barker | Northern Star)

NIU drops nail-biter with Western Michigan, extends losing streak to 10 games

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
March 2, 2025
NIU President Lisa Freeman (from left), NIU Vice President and Director of Athletics Sean Frazier and Horizon League Commissioner Julie Roe Lach pose for a photo-op after a press conference Thursday at the Convocation Center in DeKalb. The university announced Thursday it will send its non-football sports, except for gymnastics and wrestling, to the Horizon League in 2026. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

NIU finalizes move to Horizon League for non-football sports in 2026

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
February 27, 2025
Members of the NIU men's basketball team huddle together during a game against Eastern Michigan University on Saturday inside the Convocation Center in DeKalb. NIU is reportedly moving its non-football sports, except for gymnastics and wrestling, to the Horizon League, pending approval from the NIU Board of Trustees on Thursday. (Marco Alvarez | Northern Star)

REPORT: NIU moving non-football sports to Horizon League

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
February 24, 2025
NIU men's basketball senior guard James Dent Jr. (14) looks for an opening while Eastern Michigan University senior guard Jalen Terry (3) defends during the second half of Saturday’s loss inside the Convocation Center in DeKalb. Dent tied his season-high with five made 3-pointers, helping NIU set a new school record with 15 triples in a single game. (Marco Alvarez | Northern Star)

NIU surrenders second-half comeback, falls to Eastern Michigan on buzzer-beater

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
February 23, 2025
Two participants jump into a pool of freezing water during the Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run Polar Plunge on Saturday at Huskie Stadium. The event kicked off more than a month of Polar Plunges set to be held across the state of Illinois. (Skyler Kisellus | Northern Star)

Students, locals team up to take Polar Plunge at Huskie Stadium

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
February 15, 2025
NIU President Lisa Freeman (left), Vice President and Director of Athletics and Recreation Sean Frazier and head football coach Thomas Hammock speak to the media during a Jan. 7 press conference announcing NIU football will join the Mountain West Conference in 2026. The move marks the second time in school history that NIU will leave the Mid-American Conference. (Edison Miller | Northern Star)

KISELLUS: NIU’s Mountain West move isn’t 1980s déjà vu

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
February 13, 2025
Sophomore guard Quentin Jones (1) drives past University at Buffalo sophomore Ryan Sabol (2) during NIU’s 73-67 loss to Buffalo on Saturday night inside the Convocation Center in DeKalb. Jones was one of four Huskies to score in double-digits against the Bulls. (Marco Alvarez | Northern Star)

Sluggish start hampers Huskies in setback against Buffalo

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
February 12, 2025

All-Star: A Tale of Two Teams

By Edison Miller and Skyler Kisellus
February 11, 2025
Members of NIU men’s basketball team look on from their bench during Saturday’s loss to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette inside the Convocation Center in DeKalb. The Huskies were defeated by the Ragin’ Cajuns 66-64 on home court to suffer their fourth-consecutive loss and their ninth in the past 10 games. (Erin Marie Barker | Northern Star)

Huskies fumble first-half lead in loss to Ragin’ Cajuns

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
February 9, 2025
Members of the NIU football team gather in the huddle during the 117th Homecoming game against the University of Toledo on Oct. 19 at Huskie Stadium in DeKalb. NIU signed four football players on National Signing Day on Wednesday, putting the Huskies’ 2025 recruiting class at 24 signees. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

NIU football adds 4 on National Signing Day

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
February 6, 2025

All-Star: Hey Now, You’re a Four Star

By Edison Miller and Skyler Kisellus
February 4, 2025
NIU men's basketball sophomore guard Quentin Jones dribbles the ball past University of Akron redshirt junior guard Nate Johnson Tuesday at the Convocation Center in DeKalb. Jones had 25 points in NIU's 80-70 loss against Akron. (Marco Alvarez | Northern Star)

Limited depth plagues NIU in loss to MAC leader Akron

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
January 29, 2025
NIU senior guard James Dent Jr. (14) attempts a 3-pointer against Ball State University sophomore guard Joey Hart (20) during a Mid-American Conference men’s basketball game between the Huskies and Cardinals on Saturday inside the Convocation Center in DeKalb. Dent finished with 18 points and 10 rebounds to achieve the first double-double of his NIU career. (Erin Marie Barker | Northern Star)

‘It’s about time:’ Men’s basketball ends 6-game slide with win over Ball State

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
January 25, 2025

All-Star: One skid stops, another keeps rolling

By Edison Miller and Skyler Kisellus
January 24, 2025
NIU men’s basketball sophomore guard Quentin Jones (1) drives toward the hoop while fending off a Kent State University defender in the Huskies’ 68-50 loss to Kent State on Jan. 7. Jones had 17 points Tuesday in NIU’s 72-70 loss against Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

Second-half NIU comeback falls short at Western Michigan

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
January 22, 2025
A graphic shows former NIU football players James Ester and DaRon Gilbert, who recently signed futures contracts with the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions, respectively. Ester and Gilbert are two of three former Huskies under contract for the 2025 NFL season, along with Houston Texans safety Jimmie Ward. (Edison Miller | Northern Star)

James Ester, DaRon Gilbert sign NFL futures contracts

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
January 21, 2025
NIU President Lisa Freeman (left), NIU Vice President and Director of Athletics Sean Frazier and NIU head football coach Thomas Hammock pose for a photo after a press conference held in the McCareins Auditorium inside the Yordon Center in DeKalb. NIU’s membership agreement with the Mountain West Conference, which the school will join as a football-only affiliate in 2026, was obtained by the Northern Star on Thursday. (Edison Miller | Northern Star)

Looking inside NIU’s membership agreement with Mountain West

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
January 17, 2025
NIU sophomore guard Quentin Jones (1) drives past Miami Universirty sophomore guard Evan Ipsaro (2) during the Huskies’ 84-69 loss to the RedHawks on Tuesday night inside the Convocation Center in DeKalb. Jones led the game with 21 points, crossing the 20-point threshold for the sixth time this season. (Ethan Rodriguez | Northern Star)

Injury-riddled Huskies fall at home to MAC-leading RedHawks

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
January 15, 2025
Then-University of Charleston head coach Quinn Sanders looks on from the sideline during a Mountain East Conference game between Charleston and West Virginia State University on Nov. 16 at UC Stadium at Laidley Field in Charleston, West Virginia. NIU announced the hire of Sanders as its offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Tuesday. (Courtesy of University of Charleston Athletics)

NIU football hires Quinn Sanders as new offensive coordinator

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
January 14, 2025
NIU football players run onto the field before the Huskies’ 117th Homecoming game against the University of Toledo on Oct. 19 at Huskie Stadium in DeKalb. NIU will play its final season in the Mid-American Conference in 2025 before joining the Mountain West Conference as a football-only affiliate. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

BREAKING: NIU to join Mountain West as football affiliate in 2026

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
January 7, 2025
NIU redshirt freshman quarterback Josh Holst (15) takes a snap during the Huskies’ 28-20 victory over Mountain West Conference foe Fresno State in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl on Dec. 23 at Albertsons Stadium in Boise, Idaho. NIU is poised to join the Mountain West as a football-only member in 2026, pending approval from the NIU Board of Trustees at Tuesday’s special meeting. (Kenna Harbison | Boise State University Athletics)

NIU set to join Mountain West as football-only member

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
January 3, 2025
Members of the NIU football team celebrate, posing for a picture after defeating Fresno State University 28-20 on Monday in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl at Albertsons Stadium in Boise, Idaho. The win improved NIU to a 2-1 bowl record under Hammock’s leadership. (Kenna Harbison | Boise State University Athletics)

Josh Holst leads NIU to double overtime victory in Famous Idaho Potato Bowl

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
December 23, 2024
NIU football players celebrate and sing the “Huskie Fight Song” after their 24-16 win against Central Michigan University on Nov. 30. NIU will conclude the 2024 season at the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl on Dec. 23 in Boise, Idaho, facing off Fresno State in a rematch of the 2010 Humanitarian Bowl. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

NIU football to face Fresno State in Famous Idaho Potato Bowl

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
December 8, 2024
NIU senior safety Nate Valcarcel (9) assists senior linebacker Jaden Dolphin (26) in a tackle during the 117th Homecoming game against University of Toledo on Oct. 19 at Huskie Stadium in DeKalb. Valcarcel and seven other Huskies received all-conference honors from the Mid-American Conference on Thursday. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

8 NIU football players earn All-MAC honors

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
December 6, 2024
NIU football head coach Thomas Hammock (left) hypes up his players before they run onto the field for a game against the University at Buffalo on Sept. 21 at Huskie Stadium in DeKalb. Hammock added 19 freshmen and two transfers to NIU’s 2025 signing class on the first day of the NCAA’s early signing period Wednesday. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

NIU inks 18 freshmen, 2 transfers on National Signing Day

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
December 5, 2024
NIU redshirt junior quarterback Ethan Hampton (2) attempts a pass during an overtime loss to the University at Buffalo on Sept. 21 at Huskie Stadium in DeKalb. Hampton announced Sunday that he intends to enter the transfer portal when it opens Dec. 9. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

BREAKING: NIU starting quarterback Ethan Hampton to enter transfer portal

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
December 1, 2024
Senior defensive back Jashon Prophete (1) holds a bone in the air in front of his teammates after NIU football's 24-16 win against the Central Michigan University Chippewas on Saturday. The Huskies celebrated senior night during their final game of the regular season on Saturday and celebrated 30 seniors, 20 of which have spent their whole college career at NIU. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

NIU thwarts Central Michigan, freezing temps on Senior Day

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
December 1, 2024
NIU senior defensive tackle Devonte O’Malley (8) and redshirt senior tight end Tristen Tewes (82) wield flags as they lead the Huskies onto the field before kickoff of NIU’s 29-16 win against the University of Akron on Nov. 13 at Huskie Stadium. O’Malley and Tewes will be among the 30 seniors honored before Saturday’s home finale against Central Michigan University. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

NIU seeks strong home finish in Senior Day clash

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
November 27, 2024
NIU sophomore guard Kailon Nicholls (5) resists defense from Elon University redshirt sophomore guard Andrew King during the second half of the Huskies' 75-48 loss to the Phoenix on Wednesday night inside the Convocation Center in DeKalb. The loss was the Huskies' first defeat at home of the 2024-25 campaign. (Marco Alvarez | Northern Star)

‘Utter embarrassment:’ Huskies trounced by Elon in lousy shooting night

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
November 21, 2024
Miami University redshirt sophomore wide receiver Javon Tracy (11) runs after the catch as NIU redshirt freshman safety Santana Banner (15) approaches to make a tackle during Tuesday night’s Mallory Cup rivalry game at Fred C. Yager Stadium in Oxford, Ohio. Banner was ejected from the game for targeting near the end of the second quarter as the Huskies suffered their fourth consecutive loss to the RedHawks. (Courtesy of Miami Athletics)

Huskies stifled by RedHawks in rivalry loss at Miami (Ohio)

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
November 20, 2024
Green Bay Packers defensive lineman James Ester (65) stands at the line of scrimmage during the Packers’ preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens on Aug. 24 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Ester is midway through his rookie season in the NFL after being signed by the Packers as a undrafted free agent in April. (Evan Siegle | Green Bay Packers)

James Ester learning lessons in first pro season

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
November 19, 2024
Redshirt junior quarterback Ethan Hampton (2) turns and prepares to hand the ball to redshirt senior running back Gavin Williams (21) on Wednesday at Huskie Stadium. NIU football will play the Miami University RedHawks on Tuesday, seeking to bring the Mallory Cup to NIU for the first time since it was created in 2018. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

NIU to play Miami (Ohio) for Mallory Cup in road finale

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
November 18, 2024
NIU redshirt senior wide receiver Trayvon Rudolph (3) throws a 39-yard touchdown pass near the end of the first quarter in Wednesday’s 29-16 win against the University of Akron Zips. Rudolph’s touchdown was his first passing score since his days as a high school quarterback. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

‘It felt amazing:’ the special meaning behind Trayvon Rudolph’s tricky TD pass

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
November 15, 2024
NIU football redshirt junior Justin Lynch (5) celebrates in the endzone with redshirt senior running back Gavin Williams (21) after Williams rushed for a 71-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter Wednesday against the University of Akron Zips. The Huskies defeated the Zips 29-16, advancing to six wins on the season and clinching a bowl game. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

Seniors shine against Akron, lead NIU to bowl bid

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
November 14, 2024
NIU redshirt senior offensive lineman J.J Lippe (79) lifts redshirt sophomore wide receiver Cam Thompson (0) after celebrating a touchdown late in the second quarter against Ball State University on Oct. 26. The Huskies host the University of Akron Wednesday for their second midweek MACtion game. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

NIU to host Akron, needing one win for bowl eligibility

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
November 11, 2024
NIU football head coach Thomas Hammock, coaching staff and players watch from the sidelines during the third quarter. NIU’s next home game is on Wednesday against the University of Akron. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

KISELLUS: NIU’s wild, wacky path to the MAC title game

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
November 8, 2024
NIU freshman running back Telly Johnson Jr. (22) carries the ball during the third quarter of the Huskies’ 42-28 victory against Western Michigan University on Wednesday night at Waldo Stadium in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Johnson finished with a career-high 141 yards and two touchdowns on 23 carries. (Courtesy of NIU Athletics)

Huskies run wild over Broncos in MACtion drubbing

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
November 7, 2024
Western Michigan University redshirt sophomore running back Jalen Buckley (6) lunges into the end zone to finish off a 17-yard touchdown run in the Broncos’ 52-21 win over Kent State University on Oct. 26 at Waldo Stadium in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Buckley will be one of three running backs at Western Michigan’s disposal against NIU on Wednesday. (Nicholas Kahl | Western Herald)

Behind Enemy Bylines: Western Michigan

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
November 5, 2024
The NIU football team rushes onto the field before kickoff of the Huskies’ 25-23 loss to Ball State University on Oct. 26 at Scheumann Stadium in Muncie, Indiana. NIU is 4-4, 1-3 MAC, with four games left in the 2024 regular season. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

Huskies head to Kalamazoo for midweek MACtion

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
November 4, 2024
NIU senior running back Antario Brown (1) sprints toward the end zone after spinning around a Ball State University defender Saturday at Scheumann Stadium in Muncie, Indiana. Brown scored a 34-yard touchdown on the play and got another in the fourth quarter to record his second two-touchdown performance of the season. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

KISELLUS: Ball State heartbreaker exposed major issues for NIU

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
October 31, 2024
Ball State University sophomore kicker Jackson Courville (96) lines up to kick a game-winning 52-yard field goal to defeat the Huskies 25-23. The Huskies drop to 4-4 on the season and 1-3 in the MAC and have lost their last three meetings with Ball State. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

NIU suffers third-straight loss to Ball State in heartbreaker

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
October 26, 2024
The NIU defensive line lines up opposite of the University of Massachusetts Minutemen offensive line amid the Huskies' 34-20 victory over the Minutemen on Oct. 5. Ahead of the Huskies matchup against Ball State University on Saturday, Ball State Daily News' football beat reporter Kyle Smedley shared his thoughts on the upcoming rivalry game. (Marco Alvarez | Northern Star)

Behind enemy bylines: Ball State

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
October 24, 2024
NIU redshirt sophomore wide receiver Cam Thompson (0) runs downfield after catching a 8-yard reception in the first quarter of the 117th Homecoming Game against the University of Toledo on Saturday at Huskie Stadium in DeKalb. Thompson led the Huskies with 80 receiving yards in the game. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

NIU to face Ball State in Bronze Stalk battle

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
October 24, 2024
Redshirt freshman quarterback Josh Holst (15) throws a pass on Saturday at Huskie Stadium. Holst passed for 210 yards in his first career start as NIU football lost 13-6 to the University of Toledo Rockets on Saturday. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

NIU succumbs to Toledo in low-scoring 117th Homecoming Game

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
October 19, 2024
NIU Athletics Hall of Fame members and inductees gather on stage on Friday in the Duke Ellington Ballroom. Seven new members of the Hall of Fame were inducted as part of the 36th induction ceremony. (Skyler Kisellus | Northern Star)

NIU Athletics celebrates 2024 Hall of Fame inductees

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
October 19, 2024
The Huskies' defense returns to its sideline celebrating after redshirt junior defensive end Jalonnie Williams (11) recovered a fumble during the second quarter of NIU's 17-7 win against Bowling Green State University at Doyt L. Perry Stadium in Bowling Green, Ohio. The Huskies trailed 7-3 in the first quarter before scoring 14 unanswered to earn the road victory. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

NIU gears up for Homecoming clash with Toledo

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
October 17, 2024
Senior defensive tackle Devonte O’Malley (8) (from left) carries an NIU flag, senior fullback Brock Lampe (49) carries an American flag and redshirt senior tight end Tristen Tewes (82) carries an Illinois flag while running across the end zone to lead the team on the field on Saturday before the game against Bowling Green State University. The Huskies will return Saturday to take on the University of Toledo in the 117th Homecoming game. (Northern Star File Photo)

KISELLUS: NIU-Toledo should add to Huskies’ rich Homecoming history

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
October 16, 2024
NIU redshirt junior defensive tackle Skyler Gill-Howard (0) celebrates after the NIU defense forced the University of Notre Dame to punt in the third quarter of the Sept. 7 game at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Indiana. Sports Reporter Skyler Kisellus believes Gill-Howard is NIU football's most valuable defensive player at the halfway point of the 2024 season. (Northern Star File Photo)

COLUMN: NIU football midseason awards 2024

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
October 14, 2024
NIU redshirt freshman quarterback Josh Holst (15) rushes past Bowling Green State University senior cornerback Jacorey Benjamin (7) en route to the end zone for a 22-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter of NIU’s 17-7 upset of Bowling Green at Doyt L. Perry Stadium in Bowling Green, Ohio. Holst’s rushing touchdown was the first of his collegiate career. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

Shorthanded Huskies earn first MAC win at Bowling Green

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
October 12, 2024
Bowling Green State University junior tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (0) celebrates with teammates in the Falcons’ 30-27 loss to Old Dominion University on Sept. 28 at Doyt L. Perry Stadium in Bowling Green, Ohio. Falcon Sports Media Network’s Rhys Patrykus describes Fannin Jr. as a “matchup nightmare” for opposing defenses ahead of NIU’s meeting with Bowling Green on Saturday. (Dane Leininger | Falcon Media Sports Network)

Behind enemy bylines: Bowling Green

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
October 10, 2024
The NIU offense and the University of Massachusetts defense line up at the line of scrimmage during the first quarter of the Huskies’ 34-20 win against the Minutemen on Saturday at Huskie Stadium in DeKalb. NIU’s victory boosted it to a 3-1 non-conference record, its best finish against non-league opponents since 2014. (Marco Alvarez | Northern Star)

Football heads to Bowling Green for MAC road opener

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
October 10, 2024
Multiple NIU players surround University of Massachusetts freshman running back Da'Marion Alberic after he was tackled by senior linebacker Jaden Dolphin short of the line of scrimmage. NIU defeated UMass 34-20 at Huskie Stadium on Saturday. (Marco Alvarez | Northern Star)

No Brown, no problem: NIU runs over UMass in home triumph

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
October 5, 2024
University of Massachusetts sophomore running back CJ Hester (33) rushes for a 2-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter of UMass' 28-14 loss to Eastern Michigan University on Aug. 31 at McGuirk Alumni Stadium in Amherst, Massachusetts. Massachusetts Daily Collegian Head Sports Editor Dean Wendel highlights Hester as a UMass player to watch in Saturday's game against NIU at Huskie Stadium. (Devin Lippman | Massachusetts Daily Collegian)

Behind enemy bylines: Massachusetts

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
October 4, 2024
NIU senior linebacker Jaden Dolphin (26) and redshirt junior defensive end Pierce Oppong (99) force a fumble by North Carolina State University freshman quarterback CJ Bailey (16) on NC State’s opening possession in Saturday’s game at Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh, North Carolina. The Huskies lost the turnover battle by four after losing two fumbles and tossing two interceptions. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

NIU looks to end losing skid in home clash with UMass

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
October 3, 2024
NIU redshirt junior quarterback Ethan Hampton (2) throws a pass under pressure from North Carolina State University redshirt junior defensive end Travali Price (13) in the third quarter of NIU’s 24-17 loss to NC State on Saturday at Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh, North Carolina. Hampton committed four turnovers – two fumbles and two interceptions – while taking a career-high four sacks in his sixth loss as the Huskies’ starting quarterback. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

COLUMN: The Achilles’ heel of NIU’s offense

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
October 2, 2024
NIU redshirt junior quarterback Ethan Hampton (2) is tackled by North Carolina State University graduate student defensive end Davin Vann (1) after rushing for a 9-yard gain on the final drive of NIU’s 24-17 loss Saturday at Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh, North Carolina. Hampton finished the game with nine carries for a loss of 19 yards. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

Turnovers plague NIU in shortfall at NC State

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
September 28, 2024
North Carolina State University then-freshman wide receiver Kevin “KC” Concepcion (10) stiff arms Marshall University then-junior defensive back Josh Moten during the second quarter of NC State’s 48-41 victory on Oct. 7, 2023, at Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh, North Carolina. Concepcion finished his freshman season with 71 catches for 839 yards and 10 touchdowns to earn Atlantic Coast Conference Rookie of the Year and Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. (Hallie Walker | Technician)

Behind enemy bylines: North Carolina State

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
September 27, 2024
NIU redshirt junior quarterback Ethan Hampton (2) attempts a pass during Saturday’s overtime loss to the University at Buffalo at Huskie Stadium in DeKalb. Hampton finished 23-of-43 passing for 194 yards and an interception. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

After Buffalo loss, NIU eyes rebound at NC State

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
September 26, 2024
NIU redshirt junior running back Justin Lynch is tackled behind the line of scrimmage by University at Buffalo redshirt fifth-year nickel Solomon Brown (7) and junior defensive tackle Tristan Souza (55) in the third quarter of Saturday's 23-20 overtime loss to Buffalo at Huskie Stadium. Lynch was one of nine NIU players to record a catch in the game, finishing with two receptions for 3 yards. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

No. 23 NIU falls to Buffalo in overtime

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
September 21, 2024
NIU redshirt senior running back Gavin Williams (21) runs for a 7-yard gain late in the third quarter of the Huskies’ 16-14 win over then-No. 5 University of Notre Dame at Notre Dame Stadium in Notre Dame, Indiana. Williams finished the game with 61 rushing yards on 17 attempts. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

No. 23 NIU looks ahead to MAC opener against Buffalo

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
September 20, 2024
Freshman outside hitter Ava Grevengoed (3) spikes over the net into Northwestern University's blockers on Wednesday at Welsh-Ryan Arena. Grevengoed led NIU volleyball in kills with 10 as the Huskies were defeated in three sets by Northwestern on Wednesday. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

Volleyball suffers first sweep of 2024 at Northwestern

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
September 18, 2024
NIU redshirt junior quarterback Ethan Hampton (2) passes to senior wide receiver Andrew McElroy (19) late in the fourth quarter of a 16-14 victory over the University of Notre Dame on Sept. 7 at Notre Dame Stadium. Hampton was 10-of-19 passing for 198 yards and a touchdown. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

COLUMN: Notre Dame, NC State among NIU rooting interests in Week 4

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
September 18, 2024
Kansas State sophomore quarterback Avery Johnson (2) throws against Tulane University on Sept. 7. Sports Reporter Skyler Kisellus believes NIU football fans should be interested in Kansas State's next game as a win over No. 20 ranked University of Arizona could improve the Huskies' ranking in the AP Top 25. (Matthew Hinton | AP Photo)

COLUMN: Week 3 results needed to keep NIU ranked

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
September 12, 2024
James Earl Jones sits in a black chair. The beloved actor who died Monday will always be remembered for his iconic roles. (Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons)

Remembering James Earl Jones, the voice of Vader

By Skyler Kisellus and Brynn Krug
September 11, 2024
Fans walk around Notre Dame Stadium before kickoff of Saturday’s game between NIU and the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana. The stadium, considered a “cathedral” of college football, was the site of NIU’s historic upset of the then-fifth-ranked Fighting Irish. (Skyler Kisellus | Northern Star)

COLUMN: An unforgettable day in South Bend

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
September 10, 2024
Senior running back Antario Brown (1) races to the endzone for an 83-yard touchdown reception. NIU football defeated the University of Notre Dame, who ranked No. 5 in the nation, by a score of 16-14 Saturday. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

NIU topples No. 5 Notre Dame in historic upset

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
September 7, 2024
NIU senior running back Antario Brown (1) runs through an open gap in the Western Illinois University defensive line Saturday at Huskie Stadium in DeKalb. Brown finished with eight carries for 69 yards in NIU’s 54-15 blowout victory. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

‘It’s just another game:’ NIU readies for clash with No. 5 Notre Dame

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
September 5, 2024
Redshirt-senior wide receiver Trayvon Rudolph (3) is lifted up in celebration after a touchdown Saturday at Huskie Stadium. Rudolph scored two touchdowns in the first half as NIU defeated Western Illinois University 54-15. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

NIU football pummels Western Illinois in Hampton’s stellar debut

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
August 31, 2024
NIU head football coach Thomas Hammock speaks to the media during a press conference Tuesday in the McCareins Auditorium inside the Yordon Center. Hammock will lead the Huskies against Western Illinois University on Saturday in NIU’s season opener at Huskie Stadium. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

NIU football set to clash with Western Illinois in 2024 opener

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
August 29, 2024
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Rocky Lombardi (4) throws the ball before the start of an NFL preseason football game against the Chicago Bears on Aug. 17 at Soldier Field in Chicago. Lombardi was one of five former NIU Huskies who saw NFL preseason action before being released ahead of Tuesday's roster cut deadline. (Erin Hooley | AP Photo)

Six former Huskies dropped in NFL roster cutdowns

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
August 27, 2024
NIU head football coach Thomas Hammock speaks to his players after the Huskies’ annual spring showcase on April 27. NIU enters the 2024 season as a dark-horse contender for the Mid-American Conference championship after tying for third in the league’s preseason coaches poll. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

Football eyes title contention with senior-heavy roster

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
August 26, 2024
NIU President Lisa Freeman (from left), George Middlemist, vice president and chief financial officer, and Dennis Barsema, board secretary of the NIU Board of Trustees sit at a table during the Feb. 15 Board of Trustees meeting. NIU's Finance, Audit, Compliance, Facilities and Operations committee will discuss NIU's deficit at Thursday's meeting. (Northern Star File Photo)

NIU sees $50 million holdings decrease in FY24

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
August 21, 2024
Licensed NIU merchandise is displayed inside an apparel store located inside the Convocation Center. NIU will open two permanent apparel store locations in the fall. (Courtesy of NIU Athletics)

NIU Athletics unveils plans for on-campus apparel stores

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
August 9, 2024
Senior catcher/outfielder Ellis Erickson dives back to first base on Tuesday at Mary M. Bell Field. NIU softball dropped all three games of its regular season finale against Miami University on Saturday. (Northern Star File Photo)

Softball swept in series versus No. 25 RedHawks

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
May 5, 2024
A graphic shows redshirt junior quarterback Ethan Hampton, redshirt junior quarterback Jalen Macon and redshirt freshman quarterback Josh Holst. Sports Reporter Skyler Kisellus believes the three have emerged as the top contenders to succeed Rocky Lombardi as NIU’s starting quarterback. (Eddie Miller | Northern Star)

COLUMN: Evaluating NIU’s top quarterback options

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
May 2, 2024
Junior middle infielder/outfielder Avery Carnahan hits an RBI single in the third inning of Game 2 on Tuesday. Carnahan drove in three runs on Tuesday as NIU softball split a doubleheader with Ball State University. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

Huskies hammer Ball State with home-run frenzy

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
April 30, 2024
Redshirt junior quarterback Ethan Hampton (2) throws the ball during the Spring Showcase. Besides the Victor E. Fan Fest, fans tailgated in the various fields and parking lots near the Stadium. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

Huskies show progress at annual Spring Showcase

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
April 28, 2024
Sophomore pitcher/utility Danielle Stewart (22) starts her pitching windup at Mary M. Bell Field on April 12. Stewart recorded the first no-hitter since 2006 in a win against Bowling Green State University Friday. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

Stewart pitches no-hitter, NIU blanks Bowling Green

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
April 27, 2024
Senior catcher/outfielder Ellis Erickson (23) rounds first base after hitting a single on March 30 against Kent State University. Erickson was named to the Northern Star Sports Staff's MAC softball All-Star squad. (Northern Star File Photo)

COLUMN: Building the 2024 MAC All-Star softball team

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
April 24, 2024
Sophomore right fielder Fiona Crane (26) throws the ball infield after catching the foul against the fence line in right field while senior center fielder Ellis Erickson (23) and junior second baseman Jenna Turner (4) cheer her on in the field. NIU softball was defeated 9-3 by the University at Buffalo Bulls Sunday. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

Softball drops home series against Buffalo

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
April 22, 2024
Buddy, a 1-year-old domestic shorthair cat, sits inside a cubby. Buddy is available for adoption for $75.00 at Tails Humane Society. (Courtesy of Tails Humane Society)

Tails’ Buddy ready to be your feline friend

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
April 19, 2024
Then-NIU volleyball head coach Pete Waite stands courtside during a match. Waite will be inducted into the 2024 NIU Athletics Hall of Fame during Homecoming Weekend after leading the Huskies to a program-best .723 winning percentage during his 11 seasons as NIU’s head coach. (Courtesy of NIU Athletics)

Former volleyball coach Pete Waite named to 2024 Hall of Fame Class

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
April 17, 2024
Seven Phi Kappa Psi members push off of their trench to resist the tug on the other side of a rope during practice at their fraternity house at 1020 W. Hillcrest Drive. The Interfraternity Council is set to host the 2024 IFC Men's Tugs event starting Monday at 4:30 p.m. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

2024 tugs tourney kicks off Monday

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
April 15, 2024
Two American flags and music notes rest under the words "Look Both Ways" and the topic of the week: playing the national anthem at sports events. Is the national anthem overplayed at sports events? (Lucy Atkinson | Northern Star)

Look Both Ways: National anthem at sports events

By Skyler Kisellus and Will Thiel
April 15, 2024
Sophomore pitcher/utility Danielle Stewart swings and hits a homerun Friday at Mary M. Bell Field. Stewart hit a home run and pitched five innings as the Huskies split Saturday's doubleheader with the University of Toledo. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

Softball splits Saturday action, wins series over Toledo

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
April 14, 2024
NIU sophomore gymnast Kiera O’Shea is introduced ahead of the first session of the semifinals round of the NCAA Fayetteville Regional on Thursday at Bud Walton Arena in Fayetteville, Arkansas. O’Shea made her NCAA Regional debut Thursday after battling sickness and injuries during her first two years as a college gymnast. (Courtesy of Meaghan Frazier)

Through illness and injury, O’Shea prospers

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
April 4, 2024
Junior defensive specialist/libero Jada Cerniglia prepares to serve in an NIU volleyball home game against the University of Akron on Oct. 27, 2023. The MAC announced a new schedule format for conference games on March 27. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

MAC, NIU volleyball announce 2024 conference slate

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
April 3, 2024
Senior third baseman Caitlyn Shumaker (3) rounds first base after hitting a single to left field against Kent State Saturday. Shumaker broke the NIU softball career record of 61 stolen bases. (Northern Star File Photo)

Shumaker swipes NIU’s stolen bases record

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
April 1, 2024
Senior catcher/outfielder Ellis Erickson rounds third base in an NIU softball home game against Kent State University on Friday. Erickson scored the game-winning run to seal the Huskies' 3-2 walk-off victory over the Golden Flashes. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

Shumaker walks off Kent State to snap losing skid

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
March 30, 2024
NIU sophomore gymnast Kiera O’Shea salutes at the end of her vault routine during the Huskies’ home-opening tri-meet against Central Michigan University and Eastern Michigan University on Jan. 28 at the Convocation Center. O’Shea was one of two NIU gymnasts to qualify for NCAA Regionals on Monday. (Courtesy of NIU Athletics)

COLUMN: NIU’s keys to breaking through regionals

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
March 28, 2024
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