Temple QB Justin Lynch transferring to NIU

Quarterback Justin Lynch announced via Twitter on Monday afternoon that he is headed to DeKalb, leaving Temple for Northern Illinois via the transfer portal.

Lynch, the younger brother of former NIU standout Jordan Lynch, was recruited to Temple by head coach Rod Carey, who left NIU in 2019 after six seasons in DeKalb. He was fired by Temple late last month.

Lynch played in 11 games for the Owls and was the team’s second leading rusher, going for 295 yards and a touchdown, averaging 3.9 yards a carry. He was the second-leading passer, throwing for 830 yards, four touchdowns and four interceptions.

Lynch will add depth behind Rocky Lombardi at quarterback and add talent to a young group. Lombardi, a junior who transferred from Michigan State, took most of the snaps this season, sitting out only the regular-season finale against Western Michigan. Ethan Hampton, a true freshman from Aurora Christian, started that game for the Huskies, a 42-21 loss.

NIU’s roster also features freshmen Dustin Fletcher and Jeffrey Lomax. Fletcher appeared sparingly in the 2020 season. Lomax hasn’t seen game action yet.

Lombardi and the Huskies are getting ready to play in the Cure Bowl against Coastal Carolina at 5 p.m. Friday. Wednesday is the official early signing day, when schools can announce their recruiting class of high school seniors and transfers.

While at NIU Carey coached Jordan Lynch, who now is the head coach at Mount Carmel in Chicago. A Heisman finalist in 2013, Jordan Lynch became the starter in 2012 and helped the Huskies reach the Orange Bowl. He accounted for 100 touchdowns and set five FBS rushing records for quarterbacks.