Iowa Hawkeyes Gear Up for 2026‑27 Season
The Iowa Hawkeyes are buzzing into the 2026‑27 basketball season after a breakthrough Elite Eight run that has turned heads across the nation. Head coach Ben McCollum, who settled into Iowa City earlier this year, is now focused on building on that momentum rather than the stress of relocation.
A key piece of the puzzle is Andrew McKeever, the 7‑foot‑3 Saint Mary’s transfer who has reshaped his frame, adding mass while trimming body fat to 4.5 percent. His expanded skill set at the five spot is expected to anchor both the interior defense and the playmaking duties.
Depth and Fresh Talent
The roster also welcomes Illinois State guard Ty’Reek Coleman, who has quickly adapted to the Hawkeyes’ system, thriving in ball‑screen actions and providing steady backcourt leadership. Freshmen Jaidyn Coon, the 2026 Mr. Basketball of Iowa, has added 25 pounds and refined his outside shot, while Ethan Harris, a hybrid guard recovering from a fractured tibia, is already showing sharp instincts and shooting touch.
Veteran Trevin Jirak, a second‑year forward, has shed seven percent body fat and is emerging as a versatile offensive option, blending improved shooting with playmaking vision. The coaching staff believes this blend of size, skill and experience will give Iowa the balance it needs on both ends of the floor.
Defensively, the team is emphasizing better handling of ball screens and shot alteration, aiming to turn the progress seen in the Elite Eight into a consistent identity. With a deep bench and a mix of returning players and newcomers, the Hawkeyes are poised to meet the heightened expectations that come with national attention.