Led by third-year head coach Thomas Hammock, the Huskies compiled an overall record of 9–5 with a mark of 6–2 in conference playing, sharing the MAC's West Division title with Central Michigan.

[6] In April 2021, the NCAA further made one-time transfers for all college athletes to be eligible immediately.

Michigan State quarterback Rocky Lombardi, who started six games for the Spartans in 2020, announced he would transfer to Northern Illinois.

[8][9] In the league's annual preseason poll, the Huskies were picked to finish in last place in the West.

[10] The Huskies played Maine and Wyoming at home while traveling to Georgia Tech and Michigan for non-conference games in 2021.