The first meeting between the Northern Illinois University Huskies and Mississippi State Bulldogs on Saturday, September 20 will kick off at 3:15 p.m. (CT) on the SEC Network, ESPN and the Southeastern Conference announced Wednesday.

NIU will face a team from the SEC for the first time since 2022 when the Huskies played host to Vanderbilt on September 17 and lost at eighth-ranked Kentucky, 31-23, the following week.

The Huskies have just one previous appearance all-time on the SEC Network, that a 24-18 loss at Vanderbilt on September 28, 2019.

Following the game at Mississippi State, NIU returns to Huskie Stadium to face San Diego State on Saturday, September 27 in its second of six home games, and final non-conference contest of 2025. The Huskies begin their final season in the Mid-American Conference on Saturday, October 4 in the 118th Homecoming game as they face Miami (Ohio) for the Mallory Cup. NIU will compete in the Mountain West in football beginning in 2026.

Season ticket prices for NIU’s six 2025 home games begin at as little as $110 each for a general admission ticket. With the purchase of the Huskie 4-Pack (four or more tickets), pay $110 each for a reserved seat in sections A, B or F on the West Side. Reserved west side seats are priced at $152 or $170 with discounts available for NIU alumni, NIU faculty/staff, DeKalb County residents, seniors (62+) and members of the Varsity Club (former student-athletes).

Fans who purchase 2025 Huskie Football season tickets by June 30th of this year automatically qualify for the “Lock In” rate, giving them the ability to purchase similar season tickets in 2026 and 2027 at 2025 prices, provided they meet the season ticket deadline each year.

Renew or purchase tickets for the 2025 NIU Football season now online at NIUHuskies.com/tickets. For more information, call the NIU Ticket Office at 815-753-PACK (7225) weekdays between 9 a.m.-5 p.m. or email huskiestickets@niu.edu.