The Chicago State Cougars will officially play their first season of football in 2026 after the Chicago State University Board of Trustees unanimously approved the addition of football.
Chicago State will compete as a Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) Independent during the 2026 season before beginning play in the Northeast Conference (NEC) in 2027. The first contest for Chicago State is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026.
“The launch of football at Chicago State ushers in a new era not only for our university, but for the entire city of Chicago,” said Chicago State University President Zaldwaynaka “Z” Scott. “As the city’s only NCAA Division I football program, we are creating history and building a legacy that will inspire pride, opportunity, and community for generations to come. We are proud of the diligence and work that has happened over the last three years. This program will have a lasting impact.”
Chicago State joined the Northeast Conference (NEC) effective on July 1, 2024.
“Chicago State Football is more than just a new sport it’s the start of a bold tradition,” said Vice President & Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Dr. Monique Carroll. “Our student-athletes will set the tone for what it means to wear Cougar green on the gridiron, and their impact will echo far beyond the scoreboard. This program is about building community, creating lasting memories, and showing the strength and spirit of Chicago State.”
Back in April, Chicago State University announced the hiring of Bobby Rome II as its first-ever head football coach. Rome was previously the head coach at Florida Memorial University and led the team to back-to-back Sun Conference Championship game appearances in 2023 and 2024.
“The future starts now, and we are ready to get going,” said Coach Rome in April. “Chicago is getting a D1 College Football team, and we couldn’t be more excited for it to be on the South Side.”
Although the Cougars are set to begin play on Aug. 29, 2026, it’s not currently known where they will play their home football games. Gately Stadium, located just one mile from campus, is one option.
“I would prefer to play at Gately (Stadium),” CSU Director of Athletics Dr. Monique Carroll told FOX 32 earlier this year. “We have our eyes set at Gately, but we know there’s some things we need to work through to get that to happen.”
Barring no additional changes, the NEC will have nine football-playing members beginning with the 2027 season: Central Connecticut, Chicago State, Duquesne, Long Island, Mercyhurst, New Haven, Robert Morris, Stonehill, and Wagner.
🚨🚨 Chicago State Athletics (Chicago State University) has gained Board approval to launched its NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) football program in the fall of 2026. 🚨🚨 pic.twitter.com/TYS3tJStk8
— Coach Rome II (@BobbyRome) December 18, 2025
Always good to have more football
This is going to be a car wreck……Chicago State draws zero support in any sport,all this will do is drain out further resources and if they play 5 home games year,I will root for Georgia in 2026.
Isn’t Chicago State in dire financial straits? How does the money pit that is low level FCS make any sense? And to not have the stadium issue worked out before the announcement is embarrassing. I’m sure those Chicago State-New Haven battles will really pack them in.
I am just curious who are they going to get for a schedule FCS wise other then Sacramento State? I don’t see Sac State traveling to Chicago to play in front of 150 people……like I said,this is going to be a car wreck,
They’ll make their money by traveling to the big boys and getting their brains beat in
Chicago State dropped baseball a few years ago because it was too expensive, how can they afford football?
Along with the previous comments, I thought this school was on the brink of extinction and going out of business. Where is the money coming from?
Excellent to see Chicago State start a Football Program
Go Chicago State Cougars!!!
Why? I can’t speak to the future *athletic* success of Chicago State football, I just know that with the exception of a few of the “big boys” of the sport (e.g., Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State) virtually every school loses money by fielding a football team. Maybe they’ve decided the PR and publicity are worth the money, but if Chicago State finances are as other writers have indicated, then why use precious resources towards football?
A couple of road games at Alabama and Ohio State (and the payouts that come with it) should ease some financial issues.
No power 4 program with any self respect is going to waste their time with them.
Not so fast my friend…….Alabama played Georgia State in their first year as a program,,,,,,so it could happen but most likely won’t.
It’s been reported that they have some teams scheduled but they wanted to do the official 2026 launch announcement before announcing a schedule. It’ll likely be a mix of FCS, D2 and NAIA
Hopefully the can make money on the buy games they’re going to need.
maybe they’ll use Soldier Field, with the Bears leaving for Indiana.