Ben McCollum has revitalized Iowa basketball, taking the team on an unexpected Elite Eight run in his first season, but the Hawkeyes have already been left out of early Bracketology predictions for the 2026-27 season. Despite an impressive 80% career winning percentage, roster changes that may see key players like Tavion Banks leaving for the NBA Draft or the transfer portal have cast doubt on next season’s prospects. The coaching staff's focus on developing current players rather than heavy recruiting raises concerns about the team's competitiveness moving forward.

By the Numbers
  • Iowa reached the Elite Eight for the first time since 1987.
  • Ben McCollum's 2026-27 team is projected to be ranked between 49-58 without Tavion Banks.
State of Play
  • Tavion Banks, Iowa's leading returning scorer, is currently in the transfer portal and declared for the NBA Draft.
  • Three starters are back, with the top returning scorer averaging only 7.8 points per game.
What's Next

If Banks returns to Iowa, they could improve their roster position significantly, moving into a stronger contention for an at-large bid. However, if he stays in the draft, the team may struggle to find immediate replacements for their production. Future recruiting efforts might prioritize acquiring transfers to fill gaps left by departing talent, though this strategy remains uncertain.

Bottom Line

Iowa's early exclusion from Bracketology reflects the uncertainty surrounding the roster and the team's ability to retain key talent. While coach Ben McCollum’s skills are not in question, the team must navigate substantial changes effectively to become a competitive force in the upcoming season.