Completed Event: Football versus Iowa on September 6, 2025 , Win , 16, to, 13
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Iowa State University Athletics
Football
Ross Watson
- Title:
- SAM/Nickels/Passing Game Coordinator
- Phone:
- 515-294-6721
Ross Watson, who served the previous six seasons as co-defensive coordinator at Toledo, joins the Iowa State defensive room for his first season in 2026. He will coach the SAM linebackers and nickelbacks, while also serving as defensive pass game coordinator for the Cyclones.
Watson coached the safeties for Toledo, which finished the 2025 regular season ranked third nationally in total defense after allowing just 247.8 yards per game. The Rockets also ranked second nationally in passing efficiency defense (98.6), fifth in tackles for loss (7.4 per game), third in red zone defense (.680), eighth in passing yards allowed (158.4), eighth in fourth down defense (.370) and ninth in third down defense (.299).
Nine Toledo defensive players earned All-MAC honors in 2025, including both of Watson’s safeties, Braden Awls and Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, as first-team picks. Awls finished the season with a conference-high five interceptions, while McNeil-Warren had two interceptions, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
In his 10 seasons at Toledo, the team reached nine bowl games and won the Mid-American Conference in 2017. He’s had his hands in the development of many former players that reached the NFL, including Tycen Anderson, a two-time All-MAC safety who was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Prior to his stop in Ohio, Watson spent the 2015 season at Northern Illinois coaching the linebackers and special teams as the Huskies won the MAC West and made a Poinsettia Bowl appearance.
He has also worked at Youngstown State, Florida Atlantic and Nebraska, as a grad assistant, after beginning his coaching career at his alma mater, Mount Union, in 2006-07.
At FAU for two seasons (2012-13), Watson coached the defensive backs while working alongside ISU head coach Jimmy Rogers in 2012. The Owls ranked second in FBS in passing yards allowed (161.5 yards per game), were third in team passing efficiency defense (97.41) and 11th in total defense.
He earned his bachelor’s degree in business management from Mount Union in 2006, where he was a 2005 All-American and a three-time All-OAC selection as a defensive back. He won two national championships as a player for the Raiders. Watson also earned a master’s degree from Nebraska in educational administration in 2012.
Watson, a Youngstown, Ohio native, and his wife Sydney have four children: Tripp, Wyatt and twins Colbi and Lexi.
TJ Otzelberger 12_19_25 interview
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Jimmy Rogers Introductory Press Conference
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Cyclone Express ISU at Oklahoma St 2025
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Matt Campbell Signing Day Press Conference (2026 Class)
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