A Revamped Cyclones Squad Eyes Immediate Impact
Iowa State’s men’s basketball program is set for a dramatic overhaul as the 2026‑27 season approaches. After a campaign that saw three seniors and a junior sharpshooter depart, the Cyclones will welcome a blend of freshmen and transfers who are expected to fill the void left by those departures.
The incoming transfers bring a mix of experience and skill. Tre Singleton and Taj Manning arrive from Power Conference programs, while Ryan Prather Jr., Leon Bond III and Jaquan Johnson join from other collegiate teams. Each of them is slated to assume a defined role, with the coaching staff believing they can make an immediate impact.
Head coach T.J. Otzelberger has emphasized that the new arrivals will be tasked with specific responsibilities. Jaquan Johnson is expected to step into a leadership role, replacing Tamin Lipsey on both ends of the floor, while Leon Bond III will likely mirror the versatile two‑way contributions of Nate Heise. In the frontcourt, Tre Singleton must replace Joshua Jefferson, and Taj Manning will add the interior toughness and size that the team lacked last season.
Beyond individual assignments, the recruitment reflects a broader trend in men’s college basketball toward larger, more versatile rosters. Otzelberger’s focus on size aligns with a national shift, suggesting that the Cyclones are positioning themselves to compete more effectively in the Big 12 and beyond.