Iowa's women's basketball program has locked in a challenging non‑conference schedule for the 2026‑27 season, confirming four marquee contests that will test the team's depth and resilience.
The Hawkeyes will open the season at home against Towson on November 2, 2026, at Carver‑Hawkeye Arena. Adding intrigue, Towson will field former Iowa standout Zion Sanders as an assistant coach, bringing a familiar face to the opposition.
A week later, Iowa travels to Des Moines to meet Drake on December 1, 2026, at the Knapp Center. The Bulldogs finished the previous campaign with a 12‑20 record, making the matchup an early opportunity for the Hawkeyes to assert dominance.
The schedule also includes a neutral‑site showdown in Sioux City on November 15, 2026, where Iowa will take on Vanderbilt. The game promises a contrast of styles and adds another layer of excitement for fans across the state.
UConn Home‑and‑Home Series
Iowa will continue its series with UConn over the next two seasons, hosting the Huskies in the 2027‑28 campaign after UConn welcomes the Hawkeyes in 2026‑27. The back‑to‑back arrangement underscores the growing respect between the two programs.
Athletic director Kyle Huesmann highlighted the non‑conference slate as a deliberate effort to schedule competitive opponents that will prepare the team for Big Ten play. "These games will test our mettle and expose us to different styles of play," Huesmann said in a recent interview.
The upcoming season also brings coverage from local media outlets such as Hawkeye Report and On3, both of which will provide in‑depth analysis and behind‑the‑scenes insights throughout the schedule.