Chicago State University is set to launch the city’s only NCAA Division I football program, marking a significant development for both the institution and Chicago’s South Side community. The university’s board of trustees approved the addition of the football program in December 2023, with the season scheduled to begin on August 29 at SeatGeek Stadium.
The initiative represents more than just a new athletic venture; it is positioned as a long-term investment aimed at bolstering student engagement, enhancing institutional pride, and promoting economic growth in the surrounding neighborhoods. As one of the few predominantly Black institutions serving a large number of first-generation and underrepresented students, Chicago State views the program as a pathway to broaden educational opportunities and raise the university’s profile within the city.
The football team is expected to stimulate local economic activity by attracting visitors and increasing demand in sectors such as retail, hospitality, and transportation, especially in South Side areas undergoing revitalization. These include developments near 95th Street and King Drive, where ongoing projects like the Illinois Quantum & Microelectronics Park and the Obama Presidential Center are contributing to renewed interest and investment.
Monique Carroll, Chicago State’s vice president and director of intercollegiate athletics, highlighted the program’s role as a community anchor and opportunity builder. “Football is a connector of generations,” Carroll said, emphasizing that the program aims to develop leadership among students and foster sustained growth beyond the sports arena. The visibility provided by the Division I designation is anticipated to encourage more applications and bring attention to other university programs.
Incoming freshman wide receiver Kaymen Coleman, a Chicago native from Von Steuben Metropolitan Science Center, expressed enthusiasm about joining the inaugural team. “Helping build Chicago State’s football program from day one means everything to me,” he said, underscoring the significance of having a Division I team in his hometown.
Head coach Bobby Rome has set competitive goals for the program, underscoring a commitment not only to participation but to building a comprehensive and competitive team at the FCS level. The football program is expected to enhance the university’s reputation and support for its broader athletic and academic initiatives.
The launch of Chicago State’s Division I football program is anticipated to be a milestone for the South Side, providing a new source of community pride and serving as a platform for ongoing institutional and regional development. University officials encourage local residents and supporters to attend the opening game and rally behind the Cougars as they embark on this new chapter.