CEDAR FALLS — Northern Iowa offensive lineman Jared Penning was named to the 2024 Stats Perform FCS Preseason All-American list as released on Monday.

The honor is Penning’s first preseason All-American honor of his career and second preseason honor of the season after being named to the All-MVFC preseason first team earlier in the summer.

Penning was named to the 2024 Stats Perform FCS Preseason All-American First Team as one of the top-five offensive linemen in FCS football heading into the 2024 season. Last season, Pennig was named a 2023 Stats Perform FCS All-American Third Team after last year.

Panther men’s hoops accepts invite to NIT Season Tip-Off

BRISTOL, Conn. — ESPN announced that the Northern Iowa men’s basketball team will be one of four teams set to compete in the 2024 NIT Season Tip-Off at Walt Disney World Resort in Kissimmee, Fla., over the Thanksgiving holiday.

The 2024 edition of the event will be held at the State Farm Field House at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex on Thursday, Nov. 28 and Friday, Nov. 29. This year’s field includes North Texas, St. Bonaventure and Utah State.

This will be Northern Iowa’s debut in the NIT Season Tip-Off, which has been held annually since 1985 and will be held in Florida for the first time. Matchup and game times will be announced at a later date.

“We are excited to be competing against a great field of teams,” said UNI head men’s basketball coach Ben Jacobson. “Having played each of these teams fairly recently and following their successes, we know both games are going to be played at a very high level. The venue is terrific and ESPN always puts together a first class experience for teams and fans.”