A Roster Cemented for the Future
Iowa’s men’s basketball program enters the 2026‑27 campaign with ten of its Elite Eight contributors still on the roster, a move that signals stability after a breakthrough season. Key starters Kael Combs, Cam Manyawu and Cooper Koch are set to return, joined by rising talents Tate Sage, Trevin Jirak and Trey Thompson, all of whom saw meaningful minutes last year.
Coach Ben McCollum, now in his third year with the Hawkeyes, attributes the retention to a recruiting and development philosophy that prizes teamwork and personal growth. He has built a family‑like atmosphere where players are cared for, held accountable, and encouraged to tell the truth about their roles.
A Culture of Development
McCollum’s approach blends high‑school recruiting with a deliberate focus on player progression, a strategy that has already produced standout results such as Bennett Stirtz, who rose from Division‑II to the 16th overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. The coaching staff, which includes several assistants who followed McCollum from Northwest Missouri State, reinforces this culture daily.
The program’s continuity is notable in a landscape dominated by the transfer portal. Only two players from last season’s roster entered the portal, and while Alvaro Folgueiras moved to Louisville and Tavion Banks tested the market, the majority of the core remains intact. This stability allows fans to watch the third‑year growth of Combs, Manyawu and Isaia Howard, as well as the potential breakout of Sage, Koch, Thompson and Jirak in their second seasons.
McCollum’s philosophy centers on respect, service and honest communication, traits that have helped the team navigate the uncertainties of eligibility and scholarship limits. By prioritizing relationships over shortcuts, Iowa aims to sustain its competitive edge while nurturing the next generation of leaders on and off the court.