A new era for the Cyclones
The Iowa State Cyclones will enter the 2026‑27 campaign with a markedly different lineup after a wave of departures that includes Milan Momcilovic, who announced his intent to join the 2026 NBA Draft and subsequently entered the transfer portal, leaving the program with just one year of eligibility remaining.
The ripple effect saw the Cyclones slip to No. 19 in the early Top 25 poll, even though they had finished the previous season at No. 8 and enjoyed a 16‑week streak inside the top ten under head coach T.J. Otzelberger.
Otzelberger, who has built a reputation for rapid roster turnover, announced that core pieces such as Killyan Toure, Jamarion Batemon, Blake Buchanan and Dominykas Pleta would return, providing continuity and leadership.
At the same time, the staff secured five newcomers through the portal: Jaquan Johnson, Ryan Prather Jr., Leon Bond III, Tre Singleton and Taj Manning, each slated to fill specific gaps — Leon Bond III stepping into the role vacated by Nate Heise, Tre Singleton expected to mirror the production of Joshua Jefferson, and Taj Manning adding interior toughness while Jaquan Johnson aims to replace Tamin Lipsey’s two‑way contributions.
Ryan Prather Jr., a versatile guard capable of influencing the game at all three offensive levels, joins a backcourt that also features Eric Mulder and Dominick Nelson, while the incoming talent is complemented by the experience of returning veterans such as Dominick Nelson and Eric Mulder.
Despite the loss of star power, analysts believe the Cyclones remain positioned to stay competitive in the Big 12, thanks to a blend of seasoned returnees and promising transfers.