BREAKING: In a stunning twist in the college football coaching landscape, Iowa State has officially hired Jimmy Rogers as its new head coach, just days after he led South Dakota State to a national championship title in 2023. The announcement came on Friday, intensifying the ongoing reshuffling within the Big 12 conference.
This latest development follows a week of intense speculation, during which Kalani Sitake was initially rumored to take the head coaching position at Penn State. However, he opted to sign a contract extension with BYU before their upcoming face-off against No. 4 Texas Tech in the Big 12 championship on Saturday. As a result, Penn State shifted its focus and secured Rogers, who has a proven track record and championship experience.
According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, “Sources: Jimmy Rogers is set to become the next coach at Iowa State.” Rogers, previously the head coach at Washington State, brings with him an impressive coaching resume, having achieved a remarkable record of 27-3 over his two seasons at South Dakota State. His leadership was instrumental in guiding the team to back-to-back championship seasons, having served as the defensive coordinator during their national title win in 2022.
Rogers, 38, is expected to bring a fresh perspective to Iowa State, despite lacking experience at the Power 4 level. His familiarity with the region and championship pedigree aligns perfectly with the vision of Athletic Director Jamie Pollard.
In a season that saw Washington State finish at 6-6, Rogers’ hiring marks a significant pivot for Iowa State as the team looks to elevate its competitive edge in the Big 12. His background as a linebacker at South Dakota State adds to his credibility and connection to the program.
This coaching change is expected to have immediate implications for recruiting and team dynamics as Iowa State aims to build on its previous successes. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how Rogers will shape the future of Cyclones football.
As the college football landscape continues to evolve, all eyes will be on Rogers as he steps into his new role, marking the beginning of a new chapter for Iowa State. Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
