Quarterback Tyler Turner (16) runs a play with the Chicago State Cougars, a new Division I football team, on Aug. 5, 2026, at the school. (Arthur Maiorella/Chicago Tribune)
It has taken a whole lot of energy — and ambition — for Chicago State to get within striking distance of its season opener against Roosevelt on Aug. 29 at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, the beginning of an 11-game slate for the program’s inaugural team.
Chicago State University president Zaldwaynaka "Z" Scott, left, is greeted by the school's new Division I football team at a practice on Aug. 5, 2026, at CSU. Head coach Bobby Rome II is on right. (Arthur Maiorella/Chicago Tribune)Head coach Bobby Rome II directs scrimmage for Chicago State University’s new Division I football team on Aug. 5, 2026, at the school. (Arthur Maiorella/Chicago Tribune)Members of Chicago State University’s new Division I football team scrimmage on Aug. 5, 2026, at the school. (Arthur Maiorella/Chicago Tribune)Chicago State University’s new Division I football team runs drills on Aug. 5, 2026, at the school. (Arthur Maiorella/Chicago Tribune)Members of Chicago State University’s new Division I football team scrimmage on Aug. 5, 2026, at the school. (Arthur Maiorella/Chicago Tribune)Members of Chicago State University’s new Division I football team practice on Aug. 5, 2026, on the baseball field. (Arthur Maiorella/Chicago Tribune)Richard Embry, running back coach and director of football operations, helps warm up players before practice on Aug. 5, 2026 at Chicago State University. (Arthur Maiorella/Chicago Tribune)Running back Tre' Hartwell speaks to the media after practice for the Chicago State University’s new Division I football team on Aug. 5, 2026, at the school. (Arthur Maiorella/Chicago Tribune)Lineman on Chicago State University’s new Division I football team practice on Aug. 5, 2026, at the school. (Arthur Maiorella/Chicago Tribune)Chicago State University’s strength and conditioning coach, Sylvester Armendariz, warms up the team at a practice on Aug. 5, 2026. (Arthur Maiorella/Chicago Tribune)Quarterbacks and wide receivers go over plays during practice for the new Chicago State University Division I football team on Aug. 5, 2026, at the school. (Arthur Maiorella/Chicago Tribune)Members of Chicago State University’s new Division I football team huddle during practice on Aug. 5, 2026. (Arthur Maiorella/Chicago Tribune)
