Chicago State defensive coordinator Le’Marcus Gibson discusses a drill with players during a practice session. (Photo by GoCSUCougars.com)
By Barry Bottino
With just over three weeks before its inaugural football game, Chicago State unveiled the team’s roster and coaching staff Wednesday at a media day event on campus.
The Cougars – who are the state’s fifth FCS program – take the field Aug. 29 at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview against Division II Roosevelt University.
They will do so with a roster that includes 98 players from 23 states and Canada, including 30 from Illinois. Wednesday marked the first time that CSU has publicly announced a roster.
“These players demonstrate, above all, the grit and determination it takes to embark on a journey that’s never been taken before,” CSU head coach Bobby Rome II said. “Everything will be a first for us, and our team isn’t backing down from that challenge.”
The program, which will play its first season as an independent before joining the Northeast Conference in 2027, also includes 53 transfers from various levels of college football.
Redshirt freshman wide receiver Arshawn Powell (Southern Illinois) and senior offensive lineman Jourdan Hale-Frater (Eastern Illinois) transferred from in-state FCS programs. Four players, including sophomore quarterback Tre People (LSU), arrived at CSU from FBS schools.
The roster includes 52 offensive players and 40 on defense, along with six specialists. The team features 33 true freshmen.
CSU’s second-largest class is juniors, which make up 23 roster spots.
The Cougars opened fall camp July 30.
Barry Bottino is a co-founder of Prairie State Pigskin and a 19-year veteran of three Illinois newspapers. He has covered college athletics since 1995.
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