Ben Jacobson's Success and Achievements in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 30, 2026

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Ben Jacobson. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

Ben Jacobson is an American basketball coach, currently the head coach at Utah State University since 2026. Before this role, he was the head coach at the University of Northern Iowa from 2006 to 2026. Prior to becoming a head coach, Jacobson served as an assistant coach at North Dakota, North Dakota State, and Northern Iowa, gaining experience before taking the helm at Northern Iowa in 2006.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1989: North Dakota Mr. Basketball

In 1989, after his senior year at Mayville-Portland High School, Ben Jacobson was named North Dakota Mr. Basketball and started playing collegiately at the University of North Dakota.

1993: College Career Ends

In 1993, Ben Jacobson ended his college basketball career at the University of North Dakota as the school's all-time assist leader.

2009: Sweet Sixteen Run

In 2009, Jacobson's Panthers made a run into the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA tournament, upsetting top national seed Kansas.

November 15, 2014: All-Time Win Leader

On November 15, 2014, Ben Jacobson became the all-time win leader for a coach in UNI Men's basketball history, recording his 167th UNI victory.

2014: Highest Ranking in School History

In the 2014 season, Jacobson led the Panthers to their highest ranking in school history (#10 in AP and #9 in Coaches Poll) and achieved the most wins in school's history with 31.

November 21, 2015: Victory Over #1 North Carolina

On November 21, 2015, Jacobson led UNI to a victory over #1 North Carolina.

March 6, 2016: MVC Tournament Win

On March 6, 2016, UNI won its fourth MVC tournament under Jacobson.

March 1, 2018: 250th Career Win

On March 1, 2018, Jacobson notched his 250th Northern Iowa career win against Evansville in the first round of the MVC tournament.

March 5, 2020: MVC Coach of the Year

On March 5, 2020, Ben Jacobson was named MVC coach of the year.

February 27, 2021: 300th Career Victory

On February 27, 2021, Ben Jacobson earned his 300th career Northern Iowa victory with a double overtime win over Illinois State.

March 3, 2022: MVC Coach of the Year Award

On March 3, 2022, Jacobson was named the MVC coach of the year for the 5th time, giving him the most coach of the year award honors in the 115-year history of Missouri Valley Conference.

January 20, 2024: All-Time Conference Wins Leader

On January 20, 2024, Jacobson became the all-time conference wins leader (188) in Missouri Valley Conference history with a victory over rival Southern Illinois.