Sep 7, 2024; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Northern Illinois Huskies head coach Thomas Hammock watches in the first quarter against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: ...

The 2027 matchup will be the first in history for Northwestern and East Carolina. Of Northwestern's non-conference opponents in 2026 and 2027, only Ball State has faced off against the 'Cats before — ...