Rogers names Bobbit Iowa State defensive coordinator
Iowa State head coach Jimmy Rogers has named Jesse Bobbit the Cyclones’ defensive coordinator, bringing a former player and longtime collaborator with him to Ames.
Bobbit joins Iowa State after a standout 2025 season at Washington State, where he helped guide a roster with 75 newcomers to a 7-6 record and a win in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. Bobbit served as the Cougars’ interim head coach for the bowl victory over Utah State.
“Jesse was one of the most focused players I’ve ever coached, and that has carried over into his coaching career,” Rogers said. “He has a great ability to build a culture where guys play for each other and hold each other accountable.”
Washington State allowed 20.2 points per game in 2025 and just 13.5 points per contest over its final nine games. The Cougars ranked 13th nationally in passing defense (174.4 yards per game), 15th in total defense (299.5 yards), and finished seventh nationally in fourth-down conversion defense. WSU held opponents to 10 points or fewer six times and recorded 31 sacks.
Bobbit previously worked alongside Rogers at South Dakota State from 2022-24, helping the Jackrabbits win back-to-back FCS national championships in 2022 and 2023. SDSU’s defense ranked first nationally both seasons, including allowing just 9.3 points per game during the 2023 title run.
A Palatine, Illinois native, Bobbit was a three-year starting linebacker at South Dakota State and a team captain. He also spent multiple seasons at Washington State earlier in his career as a graduate assistant and defensive quality control coach.
Bobbit earned his bachelor’s degree from South Dakota State and his master’s degree from Washington State.
