Iowa State hires Jimmy Rogers as next head coach

Jimmy Rogers is set to become Iowa State‘s next head coach, the team announced Friday. He led Washington State to a 6-6 record in his debut campaign with the team this season.

“My family and I are excited to be joining the Iowa State University community and the Cyclone football program,” Rogers said. “Iowa State has been one of the nation’s top programs for the last decade and we look forward to building upon its upward trajectory. I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity that Jamie Pollard has given me to lead the Cyclones.

“From the administration, to the alumni and current student-athletes, this University has everything needed to compete at the highest level in college football. … I am honored to be given this opportunity and responsibility and cannot wait to get started!”

Rogers will replace Matt Campbell, who accepted an offer to become Penn State‘s next head coach on Friday. Campbell had been Iowa State’s head coach since 2016.

In his 10 seasons at the helm of the Cyclones, Campbell amassed a 72-55 overall record and a 50-40 mark in conference play. Iowa State finished the 2025 regular season 8-4, including a 5-4 record against Big 12 competition.

Before taking over at Washington State last offseason, Rogers was South Dakota State‘s head coach. In just two seasons with the Jackrabbits, he led the program to a 27-3 record and a 15-1 mark in conference play.

Moreover, in 2023, South Dakota State won the FCS National Championship. The team lost in the national semifinals in 2024, but won the Missouri Valley Football Conference.

South Dakota State is Rogers’ alma mater. He played linebacker for the Jackrabbits from 2005-09. In 46 career appearances, he logged 312 tackles, three forced fumbles and three interceptions. Iowa State athletic director Jamie Pollard has high hopes for the Cyclones under Jimmy Rogers’ leadership.

“Jimmy Rogers is a rising star in college athletics who has very strong ties to the Midwest both as a player and as a coach,” Pollard said. “He has been on my short-list ever since the first time I met him. He immediately impressed me with his interest in Iowa State University and told me during our first visit several years ago that he wanted to be the next head coach at Iowa State. 

“Since our initial meeting, I have stayed in close contact with him and have been very impressed with his work ethic and understanding of what it takes to be successful at Iowa State,” he added. “He is a proven winner who has demonstrated throughout his career that he will fit our culture.”