Yeah, I know, it's early in the season, but we take what we can get around here. Being 4-1 including a win over DePaul has boosted NIU's RPI.:

RPI after Nov. 20, 2022: -- NIU, 4-1, #46 (of 361 teams). For comparison --final 2021-22, April 4, 2022 -- NIU, 14-15, #171 (of 356 teams). Obviously don't know the ending but the beginning looks pretty good.

Note: only higher RPI by a MAC team currently is Kent State at #14 with a 2-2 record, but IMO that may reflect losses to Florida State and Arkansas, wins over Oklahoma State and Northern Kentucky. (Also note: Toledo at 3-1 is #80, for any Rockets lovers.)

NIU opponents to date:
-- Notre Dame #3 4-0
-- DePaul #96 2-2
-- Detroit Mercy #198 1-3
-- Southern Indiana #215 1-2
-- Western Illinois #241 1-4

NET rankings were not posted for WBB. If you want to look around for yourself ...

https://www.warrennolan.com/basketballw/2023/rpi-live