Reports: Hamilton High Star Poised to Lead Washington State Football Program

Jimmy Rogers has made headlines by leaving his position as head coach at South Dakota State to lead the football program at Washington State University. This transition follows two successful years at his alma mater, where he secured an FCS national championship.

PULLMAN, Wash. — Rogers, a standout football player in his youth, was instrumental in the Hamilton Huskies’ back-to-back state championships two decades ago. His impressive trajectory continued at South Dakota State, where he played college football and later transitioned to coaching.

The new role at Washington State comes after the departure of former head coach Jake Dickert, who has taken a position at Wake Forest. According to ESPN, Rogers’ five-year deal averages $1.57 million annually, marking a notable step in his career.

Washington State is currently navigating a period of transition within its athletic program. It remains one of the last two original teams from the former Pac-12 Conference, alongside Oregon State. The Cougars will soon join several Mountain West Conference schools in a revamped league starting in the 2026-27 season.

Rogers’ high school career was distinguished, culminating in an impressive 320 tackles and multiple accolades. He later earned recognition at South Dakota State, where his leadership helped propel the team to its first playoff appearance in 2009 and marked his evolution into coaching.

Beginning as a graduate assistant, Rogers progressed through the ranks at South Dakota State, ultimately serving as the defensive coordinator and earning accolades such as the FCS Coordinator of the Year. Just a year into his tenure as head coach, he led the Jackrabbits to their national title, capping the 2023-24 season with an undefeated record and a 29-game winning streak.

Despite a challenging start to the following season, finishing with a respectable 10-2 record, Rogers’ success at South Dakota State is evident with a head coaching record of 27-3. His recent induction into the Chandler Sports Hall of Fame underscores his impact on the sport both as a player and a coach.