Bio

Graceland University Football proudly welcomes back Coach Jesse Ornelas, who returns to Lamoni as the Yellowjackets' Defensive Coordinator for the 2025 season.

A proven and versatile collegiate coach, Ornelas brings experience across all three phases of the game and at nearly every level of college football. He most recently served as Defensive Coordinator at Central Methodist University, where he helped expand recruiting efforts across the Midwest and continued to solidify his reputation as a relentless and effective recruiter.

This marks Ornelas' second stint at Graceland, where he made a major impact as Offensive Coordinator and Quarterbacks Coach in 2022. That season, he engineered one of the most explosive passing offenses in the NAIA, helping the Yellowjackets rank among the national leaders in passing yards per game (328) and passing touchdowns (35). His offense produced both the Heart of America Conference Freshman of the Year and the Co-Offensive Player of the Year, cementing his reputation as a developer of talent and creative play-caller.

Ornelas' coaching career includes stops at Eastern Illinois, Central Oklahoma, Iowa Central CC, Independence CC, and Nebraska-Kearney, giving him a wide-ranging perspective on player development and defensive strategy. His experience on both sides of the ball makes him uniquely equipped to lead Graceland’s defense with precision, energy, and innovation.

A native of California, Ornelas earned his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Eastern Illinois University and a Master’s in Education from the University of Central Oklahoma.

With a strong connection to the Graceland community and a commitment to excellence, Coach Ornelas returns to Lamoni ready to lead a new era for Yellowjacket defense.