The Chicago State University football program is set to play its maiden game on September 27, marking the first step of a bold new venture that has been years in the making. Coach Bobby Rome II, who has been building the team from the ground up, will lead the squad onto the field as an independent before transitioning to the Northeast Conference in 2027.
A Historic Partnership Takes Shape
Rome’s journey to this moment traces back to his days as a graduate assistant at Boston College and later at the University of North Carolina, where he crossed paths with Ben Johnson, a former walk‑on quarterback who would later become a prominent figure in Chicago football. Their shared history has now converged in Chicago, where both men coach teams that will meet on the same sideline for the first time.
The inaugural matchup will pit Chicago State against Roosevelt University at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Illinois, a venue that offers a modern backdrop for the program’s debut. The game represents not only a sporting milestone but also a symbolic arrival of a new athletic identity for the university.
The Chicago Bears have thrown their weight behind the effort, providing equipment ranging from gloves and cleats to a size‑16 pair that was specifically requested for a player on the roster. Bears President Kevin Warren highlighted the partnership as a means of giving back to the South Side community and fostering pathways for student‑athletes.
Beyond gear, the Bears have organized career expos such as the Women in Sports Media Career Expo at Halas Hall, offering mentorship and professional development opportunities. Assistant coach Kentwan Balmer, a former NFL defensive lineman, has spoken about how these resources bolster player confidence and set clear expectations for the program’s growth.
University leaders have underscored the significance of the alliance. Chicago State President Zaldwaynaka Scott and Vice President Monique Carroll described the Bears’ executive‑level involvement as a validation of the program’s potential to become a prominent Division I FCS presence in Chicago.
Looking ahead, Rome and Johnson envision a future where Chicago State not only competes but also contributes to the broader football landscape in the city. Their shared ambition is to transform the program into a sustainable model that can attract talent, resources, and community support well beyond the inaugural season.