Northern Illinois University head coach Thomas Hammock announced the addition of 18 freshmen and two transfers to the Huskie roster for 2025 on National Signing Day Wednesday.

“I’m ecstatic about the way this class came together,” said Hammock. “The way we were able to build this class and fill needs for our program in the short term and the long term gives us a lot of flexibility to improve and increase the talent on our team.”

Defensive linemen make up seven of the 20 new Huskies introduced Wednesday, including Yale transfer Alvin Gulley Jr., a Belleville, Illinois product who returns to his home state as a graduate transfer. The Huskies signed three tight ends with Marengo, Iowa freshman Caleb Haack listed at 6-9. He will become the tallest player on the roster since 2007.

NIU added four defensive backs, among them McKendree transfer Keshawn Lyons out of Cahokia, Illinois, two running backs and two offensive linemen with one cornerback and one linebacker making up the rest of the class.

“The defensive line was a priority for us with a big group of seniors leaving this year at a position that takes time to develop,” Hammock said. ‘To find the guys we were able to gives us a great foundation on defense because we try to build our team inside out. Tight end is another spot where we had a group of seniors that have been a big part of our program. Given how we want to run our offense, it was critical for us to recommit to that position.”

The 2025 class has a definitive Midwest base as 16 of the 20 Huskie newcomers hail from five different states throughout the region from the four Missouri products, including Columbia quarterback Brady Davidson, to four Iowans with three players from Indiana, one from Nebraska and four, including the two transfers, out of Illinois.

“We’re always going to focus our efforts on guys within a six-hour radius,” Hammock said. “This year Iowa and Indiana were really, really good for us, some years it is Wisconsin. We were able to re-establish connections in Missouri this year, which I think is important. We are certainly going to have the bulk of our class come from the Midwest and then we’ll try to get players from Georgia and Florida to supplement.”

With the transfer portal opening for Football Bowl Subdivision players on Monday, Hammock said the Huskies will continue to be selective while looking to fill specific needs.

“The big thing in recruiting now is to have a good foundation and this is obviously a great foundation when you add this incoming class to the freshman class we have [on campus] now,” Hammock said. “Then you look to supplement your roster in areas you feel that you want to improve.”

The 2024 Huskies wrapped up the regular season with a 24-16 win over Central Michigan and await the postseason bowl destination after finishing 7-5 overall, 4-4 in MAC play. Bowl announcements are expected on Sunday, December 8.

NIU is currently accepting deposits for 2025 Huskie Football season tickets. Returning and new fans can now claim their seats in Huskie Stadium for all six 2025 home games for just $75 for West Side reserved seats. Deposits for premium seats and areas on the West Side, including benchback, chairback, Sky Club, Sky Box and Coaches’ Club are $150.

For more information and to make a deposit for 2025 NIU Football season tickets click here. For questions regarding 2025 season tickets, deposits, premium seating and more, contact the NIU Athletics Ticket Office at 815-753-PACK (7225).