Chicago State University now has its own football team, and they’ll be playing their first season this fall in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). After hiring head coach Bobby Rome II in April 2025 and officially approving the program in December, Chicago State is set to become the only Division I football program in the city.
The Cougars’ inaugural schedule features 11 games, including four home games at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview. Chicago State will open its season on Aug. 29 against Roosevelt University at SeatGeek Stadium, giving fans and alumni a chance to see the new program take the field.
Playing four home games at SeatGeek Stadium, which has hosted major sporting events and concerts, will also give Chicago State a chance to introduce the program to fans outside of campus
The launch of this new football program is a major moment for Chicago State and the overall South Side community. While Chicago has a long history of producing football talent, the city has not had a Division I football program of its own since 1940. With the new program, Chicago State now gives an opportunity to local athletes to play college football, possibly rake in some money from their name, image, and likeness (NIL), and bring some more school pride to the Cougars.
But make no mistake about it: the program is starting from scratch, so the road is sure to be challenging. The schedule has them playing well established and tough FCS teams, such as Southern Utah University, University of Tennessee at Martin, and Tarleton State.
The team will also face two well established HBCU programs in North Carolina A&T and Norfolk State.
Hoping to engage the fans, a special gift awaits those who show up early for the season home opener. The first 1500 fans will receive a free replica jersey while quantities last.
While most expect the Cougars to struggle in their first year, a home opener against a Division II opponent in Roosevelt University should be very winnable. Let’s root for the home team!
Tickets for the CSU Cougars games are available here.
Correction: This story has been updated to reflect the history of Division I football and Chicago.
