Roster Outlook After Portal Activity
During a May 11 interview, Iowa women's basketball head coach Jan Jensen confirmed that the program will not attempt to bring back guard/forward Emely Rodriguez, even though she remains the only Hawkeye still listed in the NCAA transfer portal. Rodriguez entered the portal for the second straight year after a season marked by a back injury and a reported suspension that limited her to just six appearances.
In those games she posted modest numbers, averaging 7.2 points, 2.0 rebounds and 1.7 assists per contest. The limited production was a far cry from the expectations placed on her when she first arrived in Iowa City, and the coaching staff ultimately decided that a reunion would not align with their plans for the 2026‑27 campaign.
Jensen emphasized that the decision was made after a thorough evaluation of the team's needs and the player's medical status. "We have moved on and are focusing on the players who will be here next season," he said, adding that the program is already looking ahead to fill the remaining scholarship slots.
The Hawkeyes currently have nine of their 15 scholarship positions filled for the upcoming season, leaving room for new additions. Several other teammates, including Callie Levin, Kennise Johnson, Teagan Mallegni, Addie Deal, Dani Carnegie, Jocelyn Faison and Amari Whiting, have also navigated the portal, underscoring a busy offseason for roster reshaping.
The situation reflects a broader trend in college athletics, where the transfer portal has become a central mechanism for player movement. While the portal offers athletes greater flexibility, it also forces coaching staffs to make difficult decisions about continuity, health and team chemistry.