The Iowa Hawkeyes women's basketball team is set to navigate a demanding Big Ten slate in the 2025‑26 season, with a schedule that blends home‑court showdowns against elite programs and a series of road tests that could shape their conference standing.
Home‑court showdowns
Among the most anticipated fixtures are the home games against UCLA and USC, both of whom entered the conversation as top contenders for the championship. Iowa will also host Indiana, Maryland, Northwestern, Purdue, Rutgers and Wisconsin, giving the Hawkeyes a balanced mix of opponents.
Road tests and opportunities
On the road, Iowa travels to face Illinois, Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, Ohio State, Penn State, Washington and Oregon. The itinerary includes a return trip to Oregon and Washington, teams the Hawkeyes swept last season, as well as a rematch with Michigan, a program they dominated a year ago.
Key players to watch
Star forward Lauren Betts will anchor the interior, while guard Chit‑Chat Wright looks to add depth on the perimeter. Freshman sensation JuJu Watkins, a rising star from USC, is expected to be a focal point when the Hawkeyes host the Trojans, adding an extra layer of excitement to the matchup.
Coach Jan Jensen and his staff have emphasized consistency, aiming to replicate the 15‑3 record they posted the previous year. The team finished a stretch in which they won seven games, stumbled over three consecutive losses, then rallied with an eight‑game winning streak to close the season at 15‑3.
The coaching staff also includes Taylor Stremlow, who brings a veteran presence to the bench, and the broader support network of the Big Ten Conference, which continues to shape the competitive landscape of women's basketball.