Chicago State University is set to make history as it fields its first Division I football team, a program not seen on the South Side of Chicago in nearly nine decades. The inaugural squad will open its season on August 29 at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, facing Roosevelt University in a matchup that marks the beginning of a bold new chapter for the institution.
Building a Culture of Accountability
Coach Bobby Rome has framed the venture as more than a sports experiment; he describes it as a mission to instill accountability and resilience. 'We are not just building a team, we are building a culture,' Rome said, emphasizing that recruitment conversations have centered on personal attributes rather than raw athletic talent.
The roster blends homegrown Chicago players such as Kaymen Coleman and AJ Powell with transfers who see the program as a chance to leave a lasting imprint. Senior safety Marlon Ayers Jr. noted that the discussions during recruitment were about 'character development' and the opportunity to represent their hometown, while Western Michigan graduate Tré Hartwell was drawn by Rome’s vision of a winning culture and high standards.
DuJuan Harris, another newcomer, acknowledged that external skepticism will fuel the team’s drive. 'People will doubt us, but that’s exactly the motivation we need,' he said, as the squad prepares to defy low expectations and prove its potential on the field.
Beyond the first game, the program aims to create a legacy that future generations can build upon. By anchoring the team in the South Side community and prioritizing personal growth, Chicago State hopes to carve out a unique space in the city’s sports landscape, one that reflects both its historic roots and its aspirational future.