Hawkeyes Lock in ACC Rival for 2026‑27
Iowa’s men’s basketball program has secured a high‑profile non‑conference game against Virginia Tech for the 2026‑27 season, set to unfold at the Tyson Events Center in Sioux City, Iowa. The announcement adds another marquee opponent to a schedule that also features Xavier, Iowa State, Creighton and Alabama.
Virginia Tech arrives after a 19‑13 campaign in which it retained its top two scorers, forward Amani Hansberry and guard Ben Hammond. Hansberry posted 14.3 points and 7.4 rebounds per game last year, while Hammond contributed 13.2 points, 3.2 assists and 2.0 steals.
The Hokies will also benefit from the addition of several transfers, including guard Isaiah Eloihm, who averaged 12.4 points and 4.2 rebounds at Florida Atlantic, and forward Miles Heide, a San Diego State transfer with 5.6 points and 4.5 rebounds per game. Guard Jaylen Curry, who moved from Oklahoma State, posted 10.1 points and 3.5 assists last season, while Tyler Johnson returns after missing much of the previous year due to injury.
Projected Impact on the ACC Race
Other newcomers include Ethan Copeland, who shot 41 percent from three‑point range at Stetson, and front‑court pieces Kuol Atak and Musa Sagnia. Freshman power forward Sin'Cere Jones showed promise as a true freshman, and senior Isaac Trotter of CBS Sports has already placed Virginia Tech at No. 6 in his early ACC rankings.
Analysts view the matchup as a potential stepping stone for both programs toward NCAA tournament contention, with the game expected to influence early season rankings and seeding.
Implications for the ACC and Big Ten
The scheduled meeting could serve as a litmus test for Virginia Tech’s projected NCAA tournament berth, while Iowa looks to test its depth against a team that finished the previous season with a strong defensive identity. Both coaches hope the contest will provide valuable scouting data ahead of conference play.