The FCS Daily Dose is a blog-style article series featuring an assortment of news, rumblings, quick hitters, and commentary on various topics.
A new Daily Dose will be published multiple times a week.
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Chicago State Announces First-Ever Football HC
Chicago State University, who aims to launch an FCS football program in 2026, has named its first-ever head football coach.
Bobby Rome II takes the helm after head coaching stints at Virginia–Lynchburg, Central State, and Florida Memorial from 2022 to 2024. He led Florida Memorial to its first winning seasons in modern history, going 6-4 in 2023 and 2024. Rome was nominated for HBCU Coach of the Year in 2024.
“We are thrilled to welcome Coach Rome to the CSU family,” said Dr. Monique Carroll, Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics at CSU. “He’s a transformative leader with a proven track record of building a successful program. His vision for the program coupled with his fund-raising experience makes him a perfect fit.”
Chicago State is a member of the Northeast Conference.
2 FCS Players Named In Kiper’s 2-Round Mock Draft
In Mel Kiper Jr.’s latest 2-round NFL Mock Draft, he has two FCS players named. North Dakota State offensive lineman Grey Zabel is projected to go in the first round, and Central Arkansas edge David Walker is listed as a second-rounder.
If Zabel is selected in the first round, he’d be the first FCS first-rounder since 2022 when offensive linemen Trevor Penning (Northern Iowa) and Cole Strange (Chattanooga) heard their names called.
RELATED: FCS First-Round Picks Since 1978
No. 22, LA Chargers: Grey Zabel, G/C, North Dakota State
Kiper: “Los Angeles would love for one of the top three receivers or top two tight ends to be sitting there when it is on the clock. And there’s a chance the Chargers reach slightly for someone like Emeka Egbuka (Ohio State) or Luther Burden III (Missouri). I lean toward a better value move: Pick an impact lineman for the run game now, and wait until Day 2 for a deep pool of playmakers. Zabel played all over in college, with starts at both tackle positions and both guard spots. He’s a tone-setter who drives defenders off the ball, and he could help open rush lanes at left guard.”
No. 59, Baltimore: David Walker, OLB, Central Arkansas
Kiper: “I’m a big fan of Walker’s game; he jumps off the tape. He shows quickness, power and bend off the edge, and he mixes up his pass-rush plans to keep offensive tackles guessing. Walker had 31 sacks and 63 tackles for loss over the past three seasons. With Kyle Van Noy and Odafe Oweh both entering the final years of their deals, the Ravens might start looking to the future. Walker would become the highest-drafted Central Arkansas player ever if he goes on Day 2, with Robert Rochell being the previous high as a fourth-rounder in 2021.”
Past Daily Doses
Sac State’s Path To FBS Independent Approval + USD Loses 2 Standouts + SDSU Adds Key OL Transfer … READ MORE
FCS Teams Playing Multiple FBS Opponents In 2025 + Brock Spack Gets Contract Extension … READ MORE
Thoughts On Sac State’s Plan To Go FBS Independent … READ MORE
