Jacob Welch
Junior offensive lineman on Northern Illinois's 2026 roster. No game stats recorded yet.
6′6″ · 316 lb · Johnsburg, IL
Recruiting
OT recruit
No. 2145 nationally · Signed with Northern Illinois
No college snaps yet.
His full recruiting profileThe story
3 offensive lineman on Northern Illinois's roster. No game stats recorded yet.
- Signed as a 3-star recruit to Northern Illinois in 2023.
Jacob Welch
Limited signal — not enough coverage for a story yet.
His career
2023
- Signed with Northern Illinois3-star out of Johnsburg
Splits & context
Supporting cast · Scheme
Staff and system around the player
Head Coach
Rob Harley
Scheme reads (pass share, tempo, sack rate) need at least 3 team games — 2 games in so far.
Awards
A three-star recruit at offensive line for Northern Illinois -- now graded as a developmental piece up front.
Offensive line play doesn't show up in a box score. Here's what actually tells you whether he's good.
Northern Illinois has produced 6 All-Conference offensive linemen. 1 has gone on to the NFL Draft since 2019. Max Scharping went on to the NFL out of this room (2019).
How he plays
2026 Outlook
Northern Illinois
2026 Depth chart
Projected starter
Offensive line · Northern Illinois
Returning around him
- 44% of 2024 offensive production back (Moderate turnover)
- Transfer portal: -15 net (7 in / 22 out)
2026 Award watch
No preseason watch lists yet (most drop June 15 – July 15)
Northern Illinois · Last season: 3-9 · Talent rank #126 · 2026 recruiting class #82