Was Iowa Basketball Disrespected in Way Early 2026-27 Preseason Projection?

The Big Ten, by all quantifiable accounts, should be college hoops’ premier conference once again in the 2026-27 season.

And that’s a notion seconded by the metrics, as Bart Torvik – which is an analytical tool used by the NCAA Tournament selection committee – placed a whopping 11 Big Ten squads in the top 40 of its early 2026-27 projection.

Where Iowa basketball ranks in Bart Torvik’s early 2026-27 projection

Mar 22, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes guard Kael Combs (11) celebrates after defeating the Florida Gators in a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images | Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images

The only issue: Iowa is nowhere to be found. The Hawkeyes, who return three of five starters and 56.3 percent of their total minutes from their 2025-26 Elite Eight squad, were further down the list at No. 43.

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Sure, we understand. Bennett Stirtz is gone, as is Alvaro Folgueiras and, very likely, Tavion Banks (awaiting an eligibility waiver). Admittedly, those three were integral pieces – especially Stirtz, who was the fulcrum of the squad on both ends.

But, guess who returns? Head coach Ben McCollum. And the entire wing rotation, not to mention big man Cam Manyawu. Also, the Hawkeyes added notable pieces in Illinois State transfer guard Ty’Reek Coleman and Saint Mary’s big man Andrew McKeever.

Where should Iowa basketball rank in preseason projections?

Mar 28, 2026; Houston, TX, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes forward Cooper Koch (8) reacts in the second half against the Illinois Fighting Illini during an Elite Eight game of the South Regional of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

At this very early point of the preseason – if one can even characterize this time as such – all that anyone (or any metric) can truly project is the individual players and the coaching.

Iowa may not be bursting at the seams with otherworldly…

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Publish date : 2026-05-05 06:43:00

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