Hawai'i vs Northern Illinois Prediction, Odds and NCAAF Picks for Saturday, 10/24/26

I can tell you why Hawaii is favored here. It's because Northern Illinois hasn't won a game all season. Heck, the Huskies haven't even come close against FBS competition, although that list includes the likes of Iowa and Arizona. But let's stay with the Bows for a moment. Hawaii is laying a price on the road despite being winless outside The Islands, with its only victory coming against New Mexico State back in September in Honolulu. Are you kidding me?

Undoubtedly, we'll hear the narrative that the Rainbow Warriors need this game to keep their bowl hopes alive. If they win here and win out against a manageable schedule, they can make a bowl. But is that really a reason to back them? North Dakota State can end that dream in November. But beating a winless NIU team suddenly changes everything? What about how Northern Illinois approaches this assignment? The Huskies finally get what appears to be a beatable opponent at home, in uncomfortable environs for a Hawaii team traveling an awfully long way from Honolulu. There's also something special happening in DeKalb. Northern Illinois is retiring Jordan Lynch's jersey, honoring the fabled quarterback who led the Huskies to the Orange Bowl in 2012 when the BCS system was still in practice. I think some of that magic finds its way into the Huskies' blood and they finally get on the board.

Hawaii vs Northern Illinois prediction: Northern Illinois ML (+167) available at time of publishing. Playable to +155.