A Matchup of Rankings
On November 15, the Vanderbilt Commodores will travel to Sioux City, Iowa, to open their season against the Iowa Hawkeyes in a non‑conference clash that pits two of the nation’s most highly regarded programs against each other. The game is scheduled to tip off at 3 p.m. Central Time at the Tyson Events Center, a venue that will host a preview of what many expect to be a deep NCAA tournament run for both squads.
Early preseason polls have already placed Vanderbilt at No. 8 and Iowa at No. 14 in The Athletic’s top‑25, underscoring the excitement surrounding a matchup that could serve as a barometer for the upcoming season. Both teams boast strong rosters, high‑profile recruits, and a history of deep tournament runs that have raised expectations among fans and analysts alike.
Star Power on Both Sides
Iowa’s lineup features Caitlin Clark, the all‑time Division I scoring leader, alongside 2026 All‑Big Ten selections Ava Heiden and Chit Chat Wright. The Hawkeyes also welcome transfers Dani Carnegie and McKenna Woliczo, the latter being heralded as the No. 6 recruit in the Class of 2026 by ESPN. Vanderbilt counters with 2026 SEC Player of the Year Mikayla Blakes and Freshman of the Year Aubrey Galvan, while also showcasing five‑star freshman Olivia Jones and transfer Mia Woolfolk, giving the Commodores a blend of experience and fresh talent.
The Commodores’ recent success includes a Sweet 16 appearance in the 2026 season, where they finished with a 29‑5 record. Iowa, meanwhile, reached the national championship game in both 2023 and 2024, falling to LSU and South Carolina respectively, and finished as the Big Ten tournament runner‑up to UCLA before exiting in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. These pedigrees add a layer of intrigue to the upcoming encounter.
A Busy Non‑Conference Calendar
Beyond the Sioux City showdown, Vanderbilt has announced a December 18 non‑conference game against Belmont at Bridgestone Arena, further cementing its ambitious schedule. Iowa’s slate also includes contests that could test their depth early in the season, setting the stage for a year in which both programs aim to translate preseason buzz into tangible success on the national stage.