The Iowa State Cyclones are gearing up for a pronounced shift in their offensive dynamics as the 2026‑27 campaign approaches. The program will be without its three most prolific scorers from the previous season, a loss that inevitably reshapes expectations and lineup configurations.
A challenging offseason
Milan Momcilovic has transferred to the Kentucky Wildcats, while Joshua Jefferson and Tamin Lipsey have exhausted their eligibility, leaving a void that the Cyclones must fill. The departure of these players underscores the magnitude of the task facing the team as it seeks to maintain its recent momentum.
Retention rates reveal a mixed picture
Despite the departures, Iowa State is projected to retain 37.4% of its scoring output, positioning it as the second‑most efficient team in the Big 12 behind TCU, which holds the conference’s highest retention rate at 53.3%. For context, the Arizona Wildcats, champions of the 2026 Big 12 Tournament, are expected to return only 27.8% of their points, while traditional powerhouses such as Houston and Kansas are slated to bring back just 24.3% and 5% respectively.
The returning core includes Killyan Toure, Blake Buchanan, Jamarion Batemon, and Dominykas Pleta. Toure, Buchanan, and Batemon combined for 8.6, 8.5, and 6.6 points per game last season, while Pleta contributed 4.4 points per game in his sophomore year. Their accumulated experience provides a foundation upon which the team hopes to build.
Returning talent and expectations
Head coach T.J. Otzelberger’s track record of retaining talent year after year has become a cornerstone of the program’s stability. This continuity offers a unique advantage, especially as Batemon is poised for a pronounced leap in production and may assume a primary shooting role, potentially elevating his scoring average beyond previous levels.
The blend of seasoned contributors and fresh opportunities creates a narrative of resilience and ambition. While the loss of top scorers presents a significant hurdle, the Cyclones’ ability to harness returning talent and maintain coaching consistency positions them to remain competitive within the demanding Big 12 landscape.