Utah State University has announced a significant change in its men's basketball leadership, appointing Ben Jacobson, formerly of Northern Iowa, as the new head coach. Jacobson brings a wealth of experience and a track record of success from his two decades with the Panthers. This appointment is particularly timely as the Aggies prepare for their highly anticipated transition from the Mountain West Conference to the prestigious Pac-12. The university is confident that Jacobson's vision and leadership will propel the team to new achievements in this competitive environment.
Ben Jacobson, at 55 years old, has established himself as a prominent figure in collegiate basketball. During his 20 seasons coaching Northern Iowa, he amassed an impressive record of 397 wins against 259 losses. His tenure included five NCAA Tournament appearances, with the most recent in the 2025-26 season. A highlight of his coaching career was leading the Panthers to the Sweet 16 in 2010, demonstrating his ability to guide teams deep into the postseason.
The move to Utah State comes as the program seeks to build upon its recent successes. Jacobson will be tasked with overseeing the Aggies' integration into the Pac-12 Conference, a major step for the university's athletic department. Cameron Walker, Utah State's Athletic Director, expressed immense confidence in Jacobson's capabilities. In an official statement, Walker emphasized Jacobson's reputation within the industry as an exceptional individual and one of the country's top coaches. He highlighted Jacobson's commitment to upholding the program's rich history while also driving it to new heights, especially as they embark on their Pac-12 journey.
This coaching change follows Jerrod Calhoun's departure, who left Utah State last week to take on the head coaching role at Cincinnati. Calhoun had a successful two-year stint with the Aggies, achieving a 55-15 record and securing two NCAA Tournament appearances. Jacobson now becomes the fifth head coach for the program since 2020, a testament to its status as a stepping-stone for coaches moving to larger opportunities after leading the Aggies to the NCAA Tournament. Previous coaches like Craig Smith, Ryan Odom, and Danny Sprinkle also advanced their careers after their time at Utah State.
Jacobson himself conveyed his excitement about the new role. He stated his gratitude to Cameron Walker for the trust placed in him to lead such a historic program and to continue its tradition as a premier men's basketball team in the West. He looks forward to engaging with the 'Aggie Nation' and the 'HURD' fan base, and for his family, including his wife Dawn, to become an integral part of the Cache Valley and Logan community. Before his head coaching role at Northern Iowa in 2006, Jacobson served as an assistant coach at various institutions, including North Dakota and North Dakota State. His illustrious career at Northern Iowa saw him earn the Missouri Valley Conference Coach of the Year award five times, alongside securing four MVC regular-season championships and five MVC tournament titles.
The appointment of Ben Jacobson signals a new chapter for Utah State basketball as it prepares to navigate the competitive landscape of the Pac-12. His extensive experience, proven success, and commitment to both athletic achievement and player development position him as an ideal leader to guide the Aggies during this pivotal transition. The university and its fans eagerly anticipate the positive impact Jacobson will bring to the program, aiming to build on its legacy and achieve even greater accomplishments in the years to come.