Iowa men's basketball has managed to keep ten players from its recent Elite Eight squad for the 2026‑27 campaign, a move that underscores the appeal of the program under Ben McCollum.
A roster built to last
The returning core includes starters Kael Combs, Cam Manyawu and Cooper Koch, while promising talents such as Tate Sage, Trevin Jirak and Trey Thompson also remain.
Only two roster members have entered the transfer portal, with Alvaro Folgueiras heading to Louisville and Tavion Banks weighing his next steps.
Players and staff repeatedly point to a positive locker‑room culture and strong relationships as the reason they choose to stay, a sentiment echoed by Bennett Stirtz, whose rise from Division‑II to NBA draft conversation illustrates the program’s developmental focus.
Coach McCollum’s philosophy centers on building through high‑school recruits rather than the portal, treating athletes with respect, serving their ambitions, and delivering honest feedback, a formula that has attracted prospects who value long‑term growth.
Fans can look forward to seeing the continued evolution of Kael Combs, Cam Manyawu, Cooper Koch, Tate Sage, Trevin Jirak, Trey Thompson and the rest of the cohort as they aim to translate early promise into sustained success.