Published on Dec 8, 2025, 11:14:18 AM
Total time: 00:15:48
Iowa State moved fast — minutes after Matt Campbell left for Penn State, the Cyclones named Washington State head coach Jimmy Rogers their new leader. But who is the 38-year-old coach stepping into one of the Big 12’s most stable programs? And what makes Iowa State believe he’s the right fit right now?
On today’s episode, we bring in someone who knows Jimmy Rogers better than anyone: legendary South Dakota State head coach John Stiegelmeier — the man who mentored Rogers, coached him, and handed him the keys to the SDSU dynasty.
Stiegelmeier shares unique insight into:
Rogers’ rise from SDSU linebacker to national-title-winning head coach
How he kept the Jackrabbit machine rolling after Stiegelmeier retired
Why his defensive identity resonates so well in the Midwest
What Cyclone fans should expect as Rogers jumps to Big 12 football
With Iowa State betting on youth, leadership, and familiarity with Midwest football, this episode breaks down the hire through the eyes of the coach who helped shape Jimmy Rogers’ career from day one.
A can’t-miss conversation for Cyclone fans, Big 12 diehards, and anyone watching the next wave of rising coaches.
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