The Iowa Hawkeyes are gearing up for a pivotal non‑conference stretch that could set the tone for their upcoming season. Under second‑year head coach Ben McCollum, the team is blending a handful of experienced returnees with a wave of newcomers acquired through the transfer portal and fresh recruiting classes.
A Revamped Roster
The roster overhaul centers on transfers such as Ty’Reek Coleman from Illinois State and Andrew McKeever from Saint Mary’s, who join returning standouts Kael Combs, Tate Sage, Cam Manyawu and Cooper Koch. Together they aim to replace the production left by last season’s NCAA Tournament run while adding depth and versatility.
Key Non‑Conference Tests
Iowa’s schedule features a home showdown with the South Dakota Coyotes on December 29, 2026 at Carver‑Hawkeye Arena, a venue where the Hawkeyes have historically dominated the series. The matchup follows a perfect 3‑0 record for Iowa against South Dakota, including a 96‑77 victory earlier in the 2024‑25 campaign powered by 23 points from Josh Dix and double‑digit scoring from Payton Sandfort and Seydou Traore. A neutral‑site contest against the Creighton Bluejays in Des Moines will also test the team’s early chemistry.
The Coyotes finished the 2025‑26 season with a 13‑16 record, while Creighton’s neutral‑site game promises a test against a different style of play, giving Iowa a chance to fine‑tune its rotations before conference play.
Building a Tournament Résumé
Coach McCollum, who previously steered Drake and Iowa to NCAA Tournament conversations, is intent on translating early wins into a résumé strong enough for at‑large consideration in March. The coaching staff emphasizes quality victories over quantity, hoping that a solid performance against conference foes and the aforementioned non‑conference opponents will secure a berth in the 2026‑27 tournament.
If the Hawkeyes can harness the talent of their new transfers while maintaining the poise of their returning core, the early season could provide the momentum needed to chase a deeper run than the previous year. The next few weeks will be a litmus test for a squad that believes it can turn rebuilding into contention.