
Iowa Hawkeyes’ 2026‑27 Men’s Basketball: Four X‑Factors to Watch
After an Elite Eight finish, Iowa must replace key departures and lean on a new generation of players who can shift the team’s trajectory.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Bennett Stirtz across Basketball.

After an Elite Eight finish, Iowa must replace key departures and lean on a new generation of players who can shift the team’s trajectory.

After reaching the Elite Eight, Iowa’s men’s basketball program is poised for a pivotal season, with new transfers, a towering center and developing wings all eyeing a larger role under Coach Ben McCollum.
Ty'Reek Coleman, a recent transfer from Illinois State, is expected to add depth and defensive versatility to Iowa's men's basketball team as he prepares for his first season in the Big Ten.
A breakout performance at the 17U Peach Jam has elevated Cayden Daughtry into the national conversation, with elite programs courting the Florida native and Iowa eyeing a historic recruiting coup.
Five‑star prospect Cayden Daughtry led his team to a 17U Peach Jam title, earning MVP honors and drawing attention from top programs, including Iowa, where coach Ben McCollum sees a perfect fit.

The Iowa Hawkeyes will visit Xavier on November 20 in a non‑conference clash that continues a home‑and‑home series. With both teams reshaping their rosters, the game promises a battle of offensive firepower and new talent.

The Hawkeyes will visit Xavier on November 20, 2026, in a game that revisits a recent victory and introduces new storylines for both programs.
Ten players from the recent Elite Eight squad return, highlighting a strategic approach that blends development, culture and long‑term vision.
A look at how Iowa’s Elite Eight core stays together, the coaching philosophy behind the moves, and what it means for the program’s future.
After a left‑foot injury and a later right‑foot setback, Peyton McCollum used movie marathons to preserve his mental health before returning to the court, where he hopes to bring energy, leadership, and shooting prowess to the Iowa Hawkeyes.

Peyton McCollum overcame two foot injuries, prioritized mental well‑being, and returned to the Iowa Hawkeyes with a renewed emphasis on physical care and team contribution.

A 104-79 loss to the Warriors highlighted contrasting performances from former Hawkeyes, with Stirtz impressing, Dix struggling, and Sandfort showing flashes but lacking consistency.

Former Hawkeyes standouts Bennett Stirtz, Payton Sandfort and Josh Dix are set to make their mark in the NBA Summer League as the Oklahoma City Thunder prepare to face the Golden State Warriors, with the game set to stream on Amazon Prime Video.

Three Michigan alumni were selected in the first round, and many of the season’s top performers either faced or played for the Wolverines, creating a unique web of matchups that defined the draft’s early story.

Four former Iowa players are competing in the NBA Summer League, delivering standout moments and looking ahead to upcoming games against the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers.
The Hawkeyes are reshaping their attack after a ninth‑place Big Ten finish, with sophomore forward Tate Sage emerging as a key contributor and a quartet of newcomers bringing size, speed and selflessness to the roster.
Sophomore forward Tate Sage is set to expand his impact after a standout Sweet 16 performance, as Iowa reshapes its offense around a committee approach.

Indiana University's men's basketball program enters a season marked by high expectations, new acquisitions and a schedule designed to test its mettle before conference play.
Transfer Andrew McKeever, the tallest player in Iowa history, is adjusting to a new system under Coach Ben McCollum while the Hawkeyes aim to climb the Big Ten standings.

From Ole Miss landing Australian guard Ben Henshall to Texas securing top offensive and defensive talents, the 2026 transfer portal has produced a wave of high‑profile moves that could redefine the power‑conference picture.

Four former Iowa basketball players participated in the NBA Summer League in Salt Lake City, with standout performances and challenges that set the stage for their upcoming appearance in Las Vegas.

Four former Iowa basketball players concluded the Salt Lake City segment of the NBA Summer League, with Hausen and Dix delivering strong performances and Sandfort contributing in other ways, setting the stage for a Las Vegas continuation.

A look at the latest Summer League action featuring former Iowa players and the broadcast details for fans across the United States.

Four former Hawkeyes debut in a 111-74 victory for Memphis, highlighting promising performances and future prospects.