A demanding Big Ten slate
The Iowa Hawkeyes women's basketball program is gearing up for a grueling 2025‑26 campaign that will test its depth and resilience across the conference.
Home‑court advantage will be a central theme, with the Hawkeyes scheduled to host a who's‑who of the league, including UCLA, USC, Michigan and Ohio State, while Nebraska stands as the only opponent they will face both in Iowa and on the road.
The road schedule presents its own challenges, taking Iowa to traditional powerhouses such as Illinois, Michigan State and Minnesota, as well as to the Pacific Northwest where they will meet Washington and Oregon.
Last season the team posted a 15‑3 conference record, highlighted by a seven‑game winning streak that underscored their ability to close out tight contests. Their only defeats came against teams that proved difficult to crack, a pattern the coaching staff hopes to avoid this year.
Key personnel changes add an extra layer of intrigue. Star forward JuJu Watkins, who missed much of the previous year with an ACL injury, is expected to return to full health, while the program will also feel the absence of former standout Lauren Betts, who departed for the WNBA after helping UCLA capture a national championship.
Coach Jan Jensen, now in his second year at the helm, has emphasized discipline and depth, urging the squad to treat each matchup as an opportunity to reinforce their conference standing.
The Hawkeyes' ultimate goal is to finish the regular season with a record that mirrors their previous 15‑3 mark, a target that would require them to split their four marquee matchups and avoid any slip‑ups against the likes of Maryland, Michigan and Ohio State.
Looking ahead
With the schedule set and the roster largely intact, Iowa's focus is on translating preseason optimism into consistent performance. The team's ability to navigate both home and away environments will likely define whether they can replicate last year's success and secure a top seed heading into the conference tournament.