Ross Ogden arrives at NIU as a long, active freshman linebacker with upside
Ross Ogden entered Northern Illinois in the 2026 season as a 6-3, 215-pound freshman linebacker from Bloomington South, where he produced big-play production — including 96 tackles, 16 tackles for loss and five sacks as a senior, plus 104 tackles, 18 tackles for loss and three interceptions as a junior. NIU’s roster lists him as a freshman LB, and recruiting profiles pegged him as a committed 2026 signee, which fits the profile of a high-motor defender with tackle-for-loss juice and range. If you want an early-down linebacker who can chase, hit and disrupt, he’s worth a close look.
