After Matt Campbell was hired by Penn State, Iowa State didn’t waste any time in reshaping its future. The Cyclones moved almost immediately to appoint Jimmy Rogers of Washington State as their next head coach in a fast-paced, aggressive move that caused reactions ranging from shock to excitement to outright confusion, sending college football fans scurrying across social media.
When word leaked out late on December 5 that Campbell had finally ended Penn State’s 54-day coaching search, chaos broke out. An eight-year contract to lead the Nittany Lions was agreed to in principle by the longtime Iowa State coach, who turned the Cyclones from an afterthought into a program with real lasting power. The Penn State Board of Trustees still needs to approve the contract details, but unless something unexpected happens, Campbell is anticipated to be named the program’s 17th head coach on Monday, December 9. The announcement signaled the end of an incredible era for Iowa State supporters, as Campbell leaves Ames as the program’s most successful coach, amassing 72 victories over a decade that redefined expectations.
However, Iowa State adopted a different strategy, whereas some fan bases would sit in shock and paralysis following the loss of a significant figure like Campbell. The Cyclones turned the page and locked in on Jimmy Rogers, a 36-year-old coach who has already amassed a resume that belies his age, almost before the internet could catch its breath.
Rogers recently finished his season at Washington State with a 6-6 record, which appears modest on paper. However, context is important. It’s no easy task to take over a rebuilding program in Pullman, and Rogers gained respect right away for stabilizing a team caught between roster turnover and conference realignment. However, his more extensive coaching background stems from his tenure at South Dakota State, where he assisted in turning the Jackrabbits from consistent contenders to winners.
Rogers contributed significantly to the program’s ascent during his 12 years at Brookings, including coaching SDSU to an incredible 27-3 record in 2023 and 2024. Additionally, he contributed to winning national titles in 2022 and 2023, solidifying his reputation as one of the most brilliant young players in college football.
Even though the hire happened quickly, Iowa State obviously thought it had found the right voice for the next chapter with that kind of track record. Naturally, fans had a lot to say about it. The Cyclones were commended by some for taking a bold, forward-thinking action instead of lingering in uncertainty. Others questioned whether there was enough time for a comprehensive search given the quick hire. Many, particularly those who followed Rogers at South Dakota State, applauded the fact that a rising coaching star was at last given a chance to join the Power Five.
Naturally, there are some difficulties with the relocation. Rogers’ departure has a significant financial impact because he owes the Cougars a $4 million buyout under the terms of his Washington State contract. It’s an additional layer in a rapidly evolving coaching landscape where mobility comes at high costs, which coaches and schools appear more willing to bear in the name of long-term stability or, in certain situations, upward mobility.
Iowa supporters won’t have to wait long to witness Rogers’ contributions to the rivalry. Next fall, the Hawkeyes and Cyclones will face off once more at Kinnick Stadium in the annual Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series. This matchup is already very important, but it will now be even more intriguing. Iowa will see firsthand how the Cyclones function under their new coach, and Rogers will experience the rivalry for the first time. Now that Rogers has replaced Campbell, the game feels like a gauge of each program’s progress as well as the season.
However, Iowa State knows right away that the Cyclones are not backing down. They’re not just trying to get by after losing their best coach, nor are they preparing for a rebuild. They have already selected a successor, and based on his resume, it appears that he is prepared for the pressure, the demands, and the chance to leave his own mark in Ames. Fans across the nation, whether in Ames, Pullman, State College, or Iowa City, will be keeping a close eye on the event if the online response is any indication.
