Western Illinois University Athletics

Jake Ackman enters his second season with Western Illinois football and currently serves as the program’s Offensive Graduate Assistant/Assistant Quarterbacks Coach.

Ackman graduated from St. Ambrose University in 2025 after playing quarterback for four seasons. A team captain during his senior season, Ackman was also the recipient of the Bob Jurevitz Award during his time at St. Ambrose.

Prior to joining Western Illinois, Ackman helped lead Sterling Newman Central Catholic to an IHSA Class 2A State Championship as a quarterback under current Leatherneck Associate Head Coach/Linebackers Coach Brandon Kreczmer.

Ackman joined the Western Illinois coaching staff in the fall of 2025 as the Assistant Wide Receivers Coach/Offensive Quality Control. He was promoted to Assistant Quarterbacks Coach/Offensive Graduate Assistant in January 2026.