The Iowa Hawkeyes are riding the momentum of a historic run, having reached the Elite Eight for the first time in almost four decades.
A Milestone Season for Iowa
That achievement has set high expectations for the program and has drawn considerable attention to the upcoming nonconference schedule.
On Dec. 29, 2026, Iowa will host South Dakota, a member of the Summit League, in a game that serves as an early gauge before the rigors of Big Ten competition.
South Dakota’s Roster Shifts
South Dakota finished last season with a 16‑16 record and lost three of its top four leading scorers, but the team retains big man Cameron Fens, who averaged 14.4 points and 8.7 rebounds per game.
The loss of key offensive weapons raises questions about the team’s depth, while the return of Fens provides a reliable inside presence.
Key Players to Watch
For Iowa, coach Ben McCollum will lean on returning guard Isaac Bruns and newcomer Andrew McKeever, while guards Jordan Crawford and Uzziah Buntyn look to add scoring punch.
The matchup is seen as a chance for both programs to test new lineups and build chemistry ahead of their respective conference campaigns.