The Iowa State Cyclones basketball program is entering a new chapter after a breakout campaign that saw them open the 2025‑26 season with a perfect 16‑0 record and earn the No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
Analyst Joe Lunardi of ESPN now places the Cyclones on the five‑seed line for the 2026‑27 bracket, reflecting both the high bar set by their recent surge and the tougher competition that awaits.
Roster Outlook
The core of the team returns with standout performers Killyan Toure, Jamarion Batemon and Blake Buchanan, whose experience should provide a solid foundation as the squad aims to climb even higher.
Depth will be a key factor; a wave of newcomers and several promising freshmen are expected to add versatility, while coaches work to integrate them quickly.
Although the Cyclones lost a significant amount of production from last season, the program has established itself as one of the more consistent forces in college basketball over recent years, and there is confidence that chemistry will develop faster than the schedule suggests.