AMES - It’s official: Jesse Bobbit is heading to Ames, and he’s bringing a defensive résumé that speaks for itself.
After serving as the interim head coach at Washington State, Bobbit has been named the new defensive coordinator at Iowa State, solidifying the first major moves of new head coach Jake Rogers’ staff. Rogers, who took over for Matt Campbell earlier this month, now has both of his top coordinators in place - Bobbit on defense and Tyler Roehl, announced Monday, running the offense.
Let’s start with Bobbit. He stepped in as interim head coach at Washington State following Rogers’ departure and capped the season with a statement win over Utah State in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. But it’s his work on the defensive side of the ball that turned heads throughout the 2025 season.
Washington State’s defense was one of the most quietly dominant units in the country. The Cougars allowed just 20.2 points per game overall - a strong number in today’s offensive-heavy college football landscape - but they really locked in down the stretch, giving up just 13.5 points per game over their final nine contests.
That includes holding opponents under 10 points six different times this season. That’s not just good defense - that’s consistent, week-in and week-out execution.
And it wasn’t just about numbers. Washington State nearly pulled off upsets against two College Football Playoff teams in Ole Miss and James Madison, and they bottled up an explosive Virginia team that went on to play in the ACC Championship Game. Bobbit’s defense showed up in big games, and that’s exactly the kind of edge Iowa State fans will be hoping he brings to the Big 12.
Bobbit, a Palatine, Illinois native and former South Dakota State standout, has built his coaching foundation on toughness and discipline - traits that have long defined Iowa State football under Campbell and now look to continue under Rogers.
With the addition of Bobbit and Roehl - who comes to Ames after a season coaching tight ends with the Detroit Lions - Rogers is beginning to shape a staff that blends college experience with a touch of NFL seasoning. It’s early, but the pieces are starting to fall into place for a new era in Ames.