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Jimmy Rogers delivers fiery message after introduction at Iowa State vs. Iowa with shot at Hawkeyes

Barkley-Truaxby: Barkley Truax7 hours agoBarkleyTruax

They say a first impression is everything. New Iowa State football coach Jimmy Rogers certainly left one on Hilton Coliseum on Thursday night.

Using NSFW language, Rogers made sure to let fans on-hand during the Cy-Hawk series matchup between the Cylones and Iowa know exactly what he thinks of the Hawkeyes. In many fan’s first in-person look at the new headman, Rogers’ emphatic statement is one they aren’t soon to forget.

“I appreciate you guys welcoming me and my family,” Rogers began, addressing the crowd during a timeout. “We can’t wait to fill Jack Trice Stadium, and make it the best stadium in the country, year after year. … We can’t wait to get to work, but let’s cheer on Coach Otts and let’s beat the f**king Hawks, let’s go.”

Rogers prediction would pan out, as the No. 4 Cyclones bested the Hawkeyes 66-62. Iowa State improved to 9-0 on the season, and did so in comeback fashion against their rival. They trailed by as many as 13 points during the matchup before outscoring Iowa 41-29 in the second half to secure the victory.

The fiery message is sure to draw reaction on both sides of the Cy-Hawk series. Based on the crowd reaction, it was well-received from the Cyclones faithful.

Rogers appears to have understood the assignment about the bitterness between these two programs. Now, he’ll have to prove himself to the Iowa State fanbase on football field.

Rogers arrives in Ames after spending one year at Washington State. 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, releasing a statement calling him a “rising star” and that he’s been on Iowa State’s “short list” for several years.

On3’s Grant Grubbs contributed to this report.