Iowa State’s women’s basketball program is gearing up for the 2026‑27 campaign, unveiling a revamped roster that blends returning talent with a handful of high‑profile transfers.
The Cyclones finished the 2025‑26 season as an eight‑seed in March Madness, only to see their Big 12 tournament run cut short by a 77‑68 defeat to Arizona State, a result that underscores both the team’s potential and the challenges that lie ahead.
Coach Bill Fennelly, now in his 25th year at the helm, brings a track record of seven NCAA tournament appearances — excluding the pandemic‑affected 2019‑20 season — to a squad that is eager to translate early‑season promise into deeper postseason runs.
A Rivalry Renewed
Among the newcomers, Audi Crooks arrives as one of the most coveted transfers of the cycle, having averaged 25.8 points per game before deciding to join Oklahoma State, while Liv McGill, a 22.5‑point per game scorer from Florida, will also wear the Cowgirls’ colors.
The two programs will meet twice during the upcoming schedule, with a highly anticipated showdown slated for Hilton Coliseum that is expected to draw a record crowd, highlighting the growing rivalry between the Cyclones and the Cowgirls.
Beyond the head‑to‑head matchups, the broader Big 12 landscape features other competitive forces, and Iowa State’s coaching staff is focused on leveraging depth, defensive discipline, and the home‑court advantage that has historically fueled their tournament bids.
If the early indicators hold, the Cyclones could once again position themselves as a March Madness contender, aiming to capitalize on a schedule that offers both winnable games and marquee challenges.