NIU’s win over Notre Dame gave G5 schools glimmer of hope, but college football’s evolution may force more abrupt changes

Northern Illinois all-conference running back Antario Brown told coach Thomas Hammock he was going to leave for a bigger payday .

Northern Illinois coach says recruiting gap between haves and have-nots is not always an indicator of on-field results.

In all, more than 150 players from the Group of Five moved to the Power Four this year .

Northern Illinois has the third -highest number of players on its roster since their freshman year .

The Huskies have 35 seniors, the third highest number of any program in the country.

Northern Illinois' fee from Notre Dame for Saturday ’s game — $1.4 million — helps cover expenses.

The Group of Five has little NIL funding.

G5 commissioners discussed a four- or eight -team NIT -like football tournament featuring G5 teams and played in bowl games each December , as well as more of a regional schedule around their Olympic sports.

With its win in South Bend , Northern Illinois captures what could very well be the best victory this season of any Group of Five program.