Chicago State University is set to make history this fall, and HBCUs will be part of it.
The Cougars’ inaugural football schedule includes matchups against Norfolk State and North Carolina A&T.
After more than three years of planning, the Chicago State Board of Trustees unanimously approved the launch of the program in December 2025, positioning the Cougars as the only Division I football team in the city of Chicago.
The Cougars season kicks off Aug. 29, 2026, at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Ill., with a diverse schedule that tests the new squad against established FCS programs.
A bold debut featuring HBCUs
Chicago State’s maiden voyage into football will feature high-profile clashes against Michael Vick and Norfolk State on Sept. 26 and North Carolina A&T in Greensboro on Oct. 17.
The Cougars will be led by former Edward Waters head coach Bobby Rome II, who was hired in April 2025 and has already assembled an inaugural signing class of 55 players.
Chicago State building from the ground up
The Cougars will compete as an FCS independent in 2026 before joining the Northeast Conference in 2027, giving them flexibility to craft a challenging nonconference schedule.
Early games include a home opener against Roosevelt on Aug. 29, followed by road trips to UT Martin and Butler, setting the stage for the HBCU showdowns later in the fall.
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University president Zaldwaynaka “Z” Scott called the launch “a step in the right direction” for a school that prides itself on making history, with over 300 donors already committed to funding the building of a practice facility and long-term stadium plans.
The addition of football aims to boost student life, community ties and athletic visibility for Chicago State, which joins the NEC full-time next year. Facing Norfolk State and North Carolina A&T will provide early measuring sticks.
