Iowa’s men’s basketball program has released a non‑conference schedule that pits the Hawkeyes against five of the nation’s most respected programs for the 2026‑27 season.
Coach Ben McCollum, now in his second year at the helm, says the slate is designed to test his squad while delivering memorable experiences for the fan base.
Key matchups to watch
The centerpiece of the schedule is a showdown with Alabama in Des Moines, a game that pits McCollum against Nate Oats, a coach whose teams have reached the Sweet Sixteen in each of the past four seasons.
Earlier in the month, Iowa will host Virginia Tech in Sioux City, travel to Cincinnati to meet Xavier, and welcome Creighton in Des Moines, where a new head coach and roster await.
The Cy‑Hawk rivalry returns to Iowa City for a home game against Iowa State, marking the first such meeting since McCollum’s arrival.
McCollum explains that staging multiple events in Iowa not only builds excitement but also helps fill Carver‑Hawkeye Arena for the Big Ten season that follows.
Overall, the non‑conference slate serves as a laboratory where the Hawkeyes can gauge their development against elite competition, setting the tone for the challenges that lie ahead in conference play.