A challenging non‑conference slate
The University of Iowa women's basketball program released its 2026‑27 non‑conference schedule, a lineup that blends early‑season tests against the nation's elite with a balanced mix of home, away and neutral‑site contests. The Hawkeyes will open the year with a clash against a top‑ranked opponent, setting the tone for a schedule that also includes three in‑state rivals and a series of games abroad.
The third game of the season, slated for November 8, will see Iowa travel to either Storrs or Hartford to meet the University of Connecticut Huskies, the reigning national champions. A week later, on November 15, the Hawkeyes head to the Tyson Events Center in Sioux City, Iowa, to face Vanderbilt Commodores, the No. 2 seed from the most recent NCAA Tournament.
Three of Iowa's first five games pit the team against opponents ranked No. 1 and No. 2 in the latest NCAA rankings, underscoring the difficulty of the early slate. The schedule also features seven contests at Carver‑Hawkeye Arena, three neutral‑site games and two road trips, including two upcoming matches in Nassau, Bahamas, whose opponents have yet to be announced.
Returning talent and fresh additions
Iowa will rely on a core of experienced players who earned All‑Big Ten first‑team honors last season. Center Ava Heiden and guard Dani Carnegie, both third‑year standouts, return alongside guard Journey Houston and forward Layla Hays, who are expected to take significant second‑year jumps. The roster also welcomes freshman phenom McKenna Woliczko, while Oklahoma State transfer Amari Whiting, a fourth‑year starter with 97 career starts, adds depth and veteran savvy.
The Big Ten Conference schedule comprises 18 games, split evenly between home and away matchups, including a highly anticipated home‑and‑home series against Nebraska. The conference slate will culminate with the Big Ten Women's Tournament at T‑Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, from March 3‑7, offering the Hawkeyes another chance to showcase their mettle on a national stage.
Last season the Hawkeyes finished with a 27‑7 record, earning a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament. Building on that success, the coaching staff and players aim to translate early‑season challenges into sustained excellence, targeting a deep run in both the Big Ten and national tournaments.