How Northern Illinois, with the money of a 'Single-A' club, is thriving with development in NIL era

Northern Illinois, a mid-major university, has been thriving in the NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) era despite having a limited budget compared to larger programs. Last year, the university won eight games, including a victory over Notre Dame, and signed two four-star recruits. The article highlights how Northern Illinois has been able to compete with limited resources by focusing on player development and innovative approaches to NIL deals. The university has leveraged its location in the Chicago metropolitan area to attract local businesses and organizations to support its student-athletes. Despite the financial challenges, Northern Illinois has been able to build a successful program and provide opportunities for its student-athletes to capitalize on their NIL rights. The article suggests that the university's strategic approach to NIL could serve as a model for other mid-major programs looking to thrive in the evolving landscape of college sports.