Northern Illinois vs Iowa Picks and Predictions for Saturday, September 5th, 2026

Northern Illinois vs Iowa Game Information

The Northern Illinois Huskies open the 2026 season Saturday with a game inside Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, IA, at 4:15 PM against the Iowa Hawkeyes. Northern Illinois had a down year last season, finishing with only 3 victories after losing 4 of its last 5 games. The Iowa Hawkeyes kick off the 2026 campaign Saturday ranked #22 in the nation after finishing last year with 9 victories overall following a 7-point win in the Reliaquest Bowl over Vanderbilt on New Year's Eve. Stay in the action with our College Football Picks.

Northern Illinois Preview

With the top 2 quarterbacks from last year's roster, Josh Holst and Brady Davidson, no longer with the team, Jalen Macon has been named the Northern Illinois starter in Game 1 of the year. Last season, Macon completed 9 passes for 105 yards and 1 score. Leading rusher from last year, Chavon Wright, returns after 875 yards and 5 touchdowns a year ago. DeAree Rogers was the leading receiver for Northern Illinois last year with 506 yards and 3 touchdowns on 46 grabs, and he too will return this season.

Iowa Preview

Starter Mark Gronowski is gone this season for Iowa, giving the Hawkeyes an unknown heading into week 1. The Hawkeyes are expected to use a 2-quarterback system Saturday, splitting time between Hank Brown and Jeremy Hecklinski. Brown had the better season a year ago, completing 11 passes for 107 yards and 1 touchdown. Kamari Moulton is the team's leading rusher from last year, after compiling 878 yards and 5 touchdowns on 170 carries. DJ Vonnahme also returns this season after leading the Hawkeyes with 434 yards and 3 touchdowns on 29 catches last year.

Northern Illinois vs Iowa Pick

Iowa’s physical defense should completely control this matchup and make every possession difficult for Northern Illinois. The Hawkeyes will have the advantage in the trenches and should repeatedly give their offense favorable field position. Look for Iowa to establish control early, then wear down the Huskies with its rushing attack as it cruises to a comfortable home victory and cover.

• Pick: Iowa Hawkeyes -31.5
• Secondary: Over 44.5 

Final Score Prediction: Iowa Hawkeyes win and cover 41-10

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