Iowa Hawkeyes basketball prepare for 2026-27 season

The Iowa Hawkeyes basketball programs enter the 2026-27 season facing varying levels of expectation following preseason assessments in the Big Ten Conference.

The women’s team returns key leaders Ava Heiden, Chazadi Wright, and Taylor Stremlow. Head coach Jan Jensen noted the trio's leadership and focus on team cohesion. The roster has been bolstered by six newcomers, including highly-rated five-star recruit and McDonald’s All-American McKenna Woliczko. The women's schedule includes significant non-conference matchups against UConn and Vanderbilt.

On the men’s side, the Hawkeyes received a lower preseason media ranking, placing 11th in the Big Ten. This follows a season where the team reached the Elite 8 under head coach Ben McCollum. Despite the low preseason projection and the absence of point guard Bennett Stirtz, supporters point to McCollum’s previous success at Northwest Missouri State and Drake as evidence of the program's potential under his second year in Iowa City.