Football | 2/18/2026 2:44:00 PM

GREENSBORO — Chicago State, the oldest public university in the Chicago metro area, will begin a new era in 2026 by fielding a football team for the first time in its 159-year history, and North Carolina A&T will be a part of its historic season.

The program will compete at the NCAA Division I FCS football level as an independent in 2026 before joining the Northeast Conference (NEC) in 2027.

The Aggies will be on the Cougars' first two schedules in program history, as they have entered a two-year agreement that will bring Chicago State to Truist Stadium on October 17 and send A&T to SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Illinois, in 2027.

The 2026 matchup will serve as the game before A&T's much-anticipated Centennial Homecoming game against Elon on October 31, as the Aggies have an off week between games. The Cougars are replacing the previously scheduled opponent, Norfolk State, which opted to play against another opponent.  

Chicago State has taken strides to build the foundation of its inaugural team by introducing a National Signing Day class of 55 student-athletes to begin the program's legacy. Out of a pool of over 230 applicants, head coach Bobby Rome II will lead the Cougars against A&T.  The Norfolk, Va., native is no stranger to North Carolina, having played for and graduated from the University of North Carolina. The Cougars will make their first kickoff on August 26 at home against Roosevelt University.

A&T has grown accustomed to playing opponents for the first time in program history. The Aggies have had 17 first-time opponents since 2021.