Chicago State University set to play inaugural football game this month

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Chicago State University is less than a month away from launching its first football season, with the Cougars set to play the program's inaugural game Aug. 29 at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview.

More than three years in the making, the Far South Side university is on the verge of fielding the city's first Division I college football program. For players from Chicago, the opportunity to represent both their hometown and a new program carries added significance.

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"Every time I put these pads on, I think I'm representing the city," said Kaymen Coleman, a graduate of Von Steuben.

Arshawn Powell, an Evergreen Park graduate, said the chance to play close to home is meaningful.

"I get to come out in my hometown and build something new," Powell said.

The team's enthusiasm was on display during Wednesday's practice, where players stopped mid-practice to huddle around and sing "Happy Birthday" to Chicago State President Z Scott.

University leaders say the football program is part of a broader transformation at the school under Scott's leadership. According to the university, enrollment increased 12% from 2024 to 2025.

"If you look at the trajectory of the university over the last eight-plus years under President Scott's leadership, that tells the story of why we're not the same old Chicago State," said Monique Carroll, Chicago State's vice president and director of athletics.

Carroll said the university was able to launch the program through fundraising and donor support, covering approximately $4 million in startup costs.

"We wanted to make sure that even in the startup phase, we didn't tax the students with the fee. We didn't lean on the university to develop additional revenue streams. So I think we really did it in a fiscally responsible way," Carroll said.

Carroll said head coach Bobby Rome II has a full complement of scholarships available for recruiting and that the program believes it can compete immediately.

"This isn't a boys and girls club. We're going to build a competitive, winning football program here at Chicago State," Rome said.

Players say the goal extends beyond wins and losses in the program's first season.

"Lay a foundation, brick by brick for something that's bigger than me," Powell said. "It's not about us. It's bigger than us. It's about the city of Chicago."

University administrators, coaches and players say they are focused on building a successful program and generating excitement for football at Chicago State.