Jacob Welch
Jacob Welch is a three-star recruit from Johnsburg, IL (No. 2,145 in the 2023 class) who has not played in Northern Illinois's 8 games this season.
Where Welch comes from
- Johnsburg, IL
- Johnsburg
- Johnsburg is about 50 miles from Huskie Stadium
- Three-star, No. 2,145 in the 2023 class.
- On the Northern Illinois roster since 2023
Where Welch fits
Northern Illinois lists 21 offensive linemen this season.
Northern Illinois offensive linemen with a game this season
The team’s line is 30th in the country in line yards this season (a team number).
Northern Illinois is 0-8. Next: at San José State, Sat Nov 7.
Similar players
Same class and position
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.
The unit he anchors ranks 30th nationally in line yards this season. See the full unit breakdown →
Northern Illinois has produced 9 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).
Four seasons at Northern Illinois
- 2026 Northern Illinois HarleyYear 4 · Games –
- 2025 Northern Illinois HammockYear 3 · Games –
- 2024 Northern Illinois HammockYear 2 · Games –
- 2023 Northern Illinois HammockYear 1 · Games –
- High school JohnsburgMchenry, IL · Class of 2023Three-star, No. 2,145 in the 2023 class. Signed with Northern Illinois.
2023
- Signed with Northern IllinoisThree-star, out of Johnsburg
Coaching lineage · 2023–2026
2 coachesCoaching transition mid-career: Thomas Hammock → Rob Harley. Worth noting in scheme + development context.