
Iowa Hawkeyes Brace for Tough 2026 NCAA Tournament Run
Projected as a No. 10 seed, Iowa faces a challenging path in the expanded 2026 NCAA Tournament, with roster turnover and the loss of Bennett Stirtz shaping a pivotal season.
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Projected as a No. 10 seed, Iowa faces a challenging path in the expanded 2026 NCAA Tournament, with roster turnover and the loss of Bennett Stirtz shaping a pivotal season.

Iowa’s basketball program is entering the 2026‑27 season with renewed optimism, driven by a strong Elite Eight finish, strategic offseason additions and a roster poised for both offensive balance and defensive improvement.
Coach Ben McCollum’s second season brings a blend of experienced returnees and promising newcomers, reshaping the Hawkeyes’ lineup for a deeper, more versatile campaign.
Tavion Banks announced his departure from Iowa men's basketball via Instagram, expressing thanks to coaches, teammates and fans while confirming his entry into the 2026 NBA Draft.
Tavion Banks announced his departure from the Iowa Hawkeyes, closing a chapter that combined collegiate success with a forthcoming NBA prospect.

Jaidyn Coon, a standout from Iowa who earned Mr. Basketball honors and led his team to a historic state tournament victory, has reopened his recruitment and pledged to the Hawkeyes. He hopes to sharpen his shooting and ball‑handling while contributing immediately on defense.

Coach Ben McCollum discussed Iowa’s tournament run, key players, newcomers and the shifting landscape of college basketball.

On July 15, 2026, the University of Iowa men’s basketball team held an open scrimmage at Carver‑Hawkeye Arena, featuring Coach Ben McCollum, transfer Andrew McKeever, and a group of returning players, while outlining the upcoming non‑conference schedule.
Coach Ben McCollum sounds optimistic about the Hawkeyes' prospects, highlighting improved shooting, added length and a deep bench as the team prepares for the 2026‑27 campaign.
Coach Ben McCollum discusses the Hawkeyes' progress, key players like Cooper Koch and Ethan Harris, and the team's focus on closing out games.
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.
Coach Ben McCollum’s early scholarship offer to Sioux Falls forward Noah Woods positions Iowa as the front‑runner for the state’s top 2029 prospect.
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.

Iowa basketball coach Ben McCollum has extended a scholarship to five‑star center Bentley Lusakueno, a Georgia prospect ranked among the top of the 2028 class, as the Hawkeyes aim to compete with powerhouse programs for his commitment.

Iowa’s head coach Ben McCollum is chasing five-star center Bentley Lusakueno, a top-ranked prospect who already holds multiple Division I offers.
Ben McCollum's relentless pursuit of top talent has placed Iowa at the center of a recruiting battle for five‑star center Bentley Lusakueno, a prospect whose commitment could redefine the program.

After a season that saw key departures, the Hawkeyes pin their hopes on two dynamic freshmen who bring size, shooting and positional flexibility.

The Hawkeyes blend experienced veterans with highly touted newcomers under second‑year coach Ben McCollum, hoping to translate early promise into a deep NCAA Tournament run.

The NCAA's recent decision to allow athletes five years of eligibility reshapes the future for Iowa's basketball program, giving key players additional time to contribute.
Bennett Stirtz was selected 16th overall in the 2026 NBA Draft and promptly traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder, a move highlighted by coach Ben McCollum as a perfect fit for the Iowa forward.
From a Division II standout to a projected first‑round pick, Bennett Stirtz embodies Iowa’s new basketball renaissance.

After reaching the Elite Eight, the Hawkeyes are using summer workouts to reshape their lineup, featuring new transfers and freshmen, while head coach Ben McCollum looks to distribute the load and build chemistry.