The Iowa State Cyclones men’s basketball program is gearing up for the 2026‑27 campaign with a roster that will look markedly different from the squad that finished the previous season ranked No. 8 in the nation.
Significant departures shape the roster
Tamin Lipsey, Joshua Jefferson, Nate Heise, Dominick Nelson and Eric Mulder have all exhausted their college eligibility, removing five seasoned contributors from the lineup.
Among those with remaining eligibility, Milan Momcilovic announced his entry into the 2026 NBA Draft and simultaneously entered the transfer portal, a move that helped push the Cyclones down to No. 19 in the early Top 25 projections.
Otzelberger’s plan to preserve momentum
Coach T.J. Otzelberger confirmed that he will retain Killyan Toure, Jamarion Batemon, Blake Buchanan and Dominykas Pleta for the upcoming season, underscoring a commitment to continuity.
The staff also welcomed five newcomers via the transfer portal: Jaquan Johnson, Ryan Prather Jr., Leon Bond III, Tre Singleton and Taj Manning. Each brings a distinct skill set, with Bond positioned to fill the void left by Heise, Singleton expected to mirror Jefferson’s two‑way production, and Manning adding interior toughness.
Prather, a versatile big guard, is slated to contribute offensively across all three levels, while Johnson is expected to replicate Lipsey’s defensive intensity. Otzelberger envisions the group collectively stepping into the rotation to maintain the program’s competitive edge.
Although the team may lack the star power of previous seasons, the blend of retained experience and targeted additions positions Iowa State to remain a factor in the Big 12 and to chase a return to the top‑10 conversation.