Chicago State University Ushers in a New Era with Addition of Football, Bringing Chicago Its Only NCAA Division I Program

Big news from the South Side! Chicago State University has officially added FOOTBALL to Cougar Athletics. The Cougars are ready to get to work on the gridiron—history starts here. #CSUFootball #GoCougars #ChicagoState pic.twitter.com/si540xfl6O

— Chicago State Athletics (@ChiStateCougars) December 18, 2025

Chicago State University Ushers in a New Era with Addition of Football, Bringing Chicago Its Only NCAA Division I Program https://t.co/hii5Js9AY6

— Dbandman (@Dbandman2) December 18, 2025

Been following this in recent weeks.

Chicago State has received internal approval on launching its FCS start-up program in the 2026 season. Spring practice is planned for coach Bobby Rome II and the Cougars. pic.twitter.com/sY7fCeDkvX

— Craig Haley (@CraigHaley2025) December 18, 2025

Chicago State officially set to launch football program in 2026https://t.co/J6VEaGfSTu

— FBSchedules.com (@FBSchedules) December 18, 2025

🚨Chicago State University is launching a new NCAA Division I FCS football program 🚨

First season as an independent in starting tomorrow, followed by a full move to the Northeast Conference (NEC) in 2027.

The program, led by first-ever head coach Bobby Rome II, aims to build… pic.twitter.com/rRsy6oaTnm

— Southsuburbanhoops (@ssuburbanhoops) December 17, 2025