Iowa’s men’s basketball program has released its non‑conference slate for the 2026‑27 season, a lineup that pits the Hawkeyes against a series of power‑conference opponents as they look to sharpen their résumé before stepping into Big Ten competition.
A Bold Non‑Conference Agenda
The schedule features marquee games against Iowa State, Creighton, Alabama and a Tuesday night showdown with the Virginia Tech Hokies at the Tyson Events Center on November 10.
Virginia Tech arrives after a 19‑13 season that marked their fourth straight year outside the NCAA Tournament, and they will be guided by head coach Mike Brown, who brings a career record of 124‑98 overall and 61‑70 in ACC play.
McCollum’s strategy emphasizes testing the team against elite competition, including programs from the Big 12, Big East, SEC and ACC, to build a strong case for NCAA Tournament selection.
The Hawkeyes will travel to Sioux City to meet Iowa State, later host Alabama in a neutral‑site contest, and then welcome Virginia Tech to the Tyson Events Center, a venue that has become a frequent stop for Iowa’s road games.
Analysts believe the ambitious non‑conference slate could improve Iowa’s seeding prospects, especially if the team can secure wins against opponents that typically earn automatic bids.