Iowa State Cyclones are carefully assessing the legal and regulatory environment before contemplating any additions to their 2026‑27 roster. While the program has already seen several Big 12 peers make strategic moves, the Cyclones remain cautious, citing uncertainty over how new eligibility rules will be applied and implemented.
Legal Rulings Open Doors for Returning Players
Recent court decisions in states such as Ohio, Colorado, Tennessee, Georgia and California have cleared the path for athletes whose eligibility had expired to re‑enter college basketball. These rulings have prompted immediate action from programs like Texas Tech, Houston and Utah, which have each announced the return of players who previously exhausted their eligibility.
Texas Tech’s recent acquisitions illustrate the trend. Darrion Williams, who spent the 2025‑26 season at North Carolina State, has rejoined the Red Raiders. Former Red Raider Donovan Atwell also committed to Texas Tech, freeing up a scholarship that could be pursued by other programs. Additionally, UCF wing Jamichael Stillwell is set to transfer to Texas Tech for the upcoming campaign, and former Big 12 Player of the Year J.T. Toppin may return healthy, bolstering the team’s championship aspirations.
Iowa State, however, faces a more constrained set of options. The only former Cyclones who could theoretically return are Tamin Lipsey, Joshua Jefferson and Eric Mulder, but each encounters a distinct obstacle. Lipsey is recovering from a knee injury and has already signed with the Indiana Pacers, making a college return unlikely. Jefferson, an NBA first‑round draft pick, shows little interest in returning to the collegiate ranks. Mulder’s limited contribution last season further diminishes his appeal. Meanwhile, Iowa State already has depth with players such as Blake Buchanan, Dominykas Pleta, Tre Singleton and Taj Manning slated for key roles.
NCAA’s Stance and the Countdown to the New Season
Coach T.J. Otzelberger has repeatedly emphasized that the Cyclones are not pursuing roster changes at this juncture, primarily because of the lingering legal uncertainty and divergent opinions on how the new eligibility framework will be enforced. The NCAA has reiterated its position that it will not modify existing eligibility rules, even as student‑athletes across the country file lawsuits seeking expanded eligibility. With the college basketball season now less than 80 days away, institutions are navigating a patchwork of legal developments, each shaping the landscape in distinct ways.