Coach Rome: “We’re Going to Get it Done.”
Chicago State University is making history as it launches its first-ever Division I football program, set to compete in the Northeast Conference (NEC) in 2026. Leading the charge is Coach Bobby Rome II, a seasoned coach with a clear vision to build a program that embodies the spirit of Chicago’s South Side. Rome spoke with us recently and shared his goals, strategies, and passion for creating a team that will reflect the South Side community- and compete in the big leagues of Division I in the NEC.
A Program Rooted in Chicago’s Identity
Coach Rome envisions Chicago State football as a reflection of the South Side’s character. “When people think of Chicago State football, I want them to think of a mirror image of the South Side of Chicago,” he said. “Some tough, resilient, gritty folks who love their community, love their university, and want to go out and play hard, play good football for it.”
Beyond the abstract, Rome draws inspiration from successful programs like Michigan, admiring their physical style, use of multiple tight-end sets, and some of the recruiting areas that the Wolverines like to frequent. “We’ll be a physical program, but be very disciplined in all three phases of the game,” he noted, signaling a commitment to a hard-nosed style of football perfect for a head coach that played professionally as a fullback.
Recruiting the Midwest and Building Relationships
Recruiting is the lifeblood of college football, and recruiting for any program starts at home. There’s only so many places that you can build a fence around and form a competitive Division I roster with, and Chicago is one of them. “My goal is to try to keep some of that talent here in Chicago,” Rome said. “You could be successful right here in Chicago.”
To achieve this, Rome plans to build strong relationships with local high school coaches and communities. “Relationships are going to be more important than anything,” he emphasized. He’ll have to turn local coaches into the advocates and recruiters for Chicago State. It’s nothing groundbreaking- coaches won’t recommend their kids go to programs that aren’t willing to partner with the local community. Rome knows this and plans to embed himself in the local community. It’s a great strategy to keep kids home.
Rome’s recruiting pitch is straightforward for the athletes in Chicago. “We’re offering an opportunity for a young man to play at home,” he said. “We’re starting a Division One college football program from scratch that has not been done in the history of any Division One program in Chicago.” The opportunity to make a mark in history while playing at home is not only for the high school players he’ll bring in. The transfer portal will play a key role in building the roster for 2026. Rome plans to target “low-hanging fruit”—players from Chicago or nearby states who want to return home. “The truth is, everything you need to be successful is right here in Chicago,” he said.
Beyond Chicago, Rome will target the Midwest, including Indiana and Ohio, to build a competitive roster. He sees Chicago State’s unique position as the only Division I football program in the city as a significant advantage. “We’re going to embrace being that number one, that only Division One football program in Chicago,” he said proudly.
A Pitch to Student-Athletes: Opportunity and Development
More than just football, Rome is committed to holistic development. “We’re talking about developing the full man from the top of his head down to the sole of his feet,” he said. At Chicago State, student-athletes will receive a quality education and mentorship from coaches dedicated to their success. “At the very least, you come to Chicago State, you’re going to get a great education,” Rome assured.
Development is everything for the Cougars on the football field as well. Rome’s experience at Florida Memorial University (FMU), where he helped develop players who competed in the HBCU Legacy Bowl, informs his approach. “We’re going to home in on development,” he said, emphasizing that Chicago State will prepare players to compete at the highest levels, whether in the NEC or beyond. He’s been able to do it in the past, too- FMU brought more players to the Legacy Bowl than any other program in the past two years.
A Historic Opportunity for Chicago
For Rome, the reality of building Chicago State’s program is here already. “Every day I wake up because I know we’re going to get it done,” he said. The excitement from the community reinforces this feeling, with residents stopping him in stores to express their anticipation. “They’re waiting for this to happen,” he noted. It makes sense. Chicago should be desperate for a Division I team of their own, and Northwestern has never really captured the soul of the city like Chicago State could.
We’ve been open with our enthusiasm about the hire. While there were plenty of splash candidates in the 230 applicants, hiring Rome shows that Chicago State understands the pieces that have to be in place to build a program. It’s not easy starting from scratch, and Rome’s done the next best thing at Florida Memorial. Beyond that, he’s won in places where it’s hard to win. Theoretically, the South Side may not be a difficult place to win in the long term, but while the program is finding its footing it’ll have some challenges. We think they’ve got a coach who can win with long odds and build a program that eventually shortens those odds. That’s a big win.
As Chicago State prepares to take the field in 2026, Coach Bobby Rome II is laying the foundation for a program that will make history just by its very location. With a focus on community, development, and competitive football, Chicago State is poised to become a source of pride for the South Side and a formidable presence in the NEC. As Rome puts it, “Opportunities don’t go away, they just go to other people.” Chicago State is seizing this opportunity, and they’ve got a big stage in a big city ready to rally behind it.
