3 Takeaways From Iowa Basketball’s 2026-27 Big Ten Opponent Reveal

In Year 2 of the Ben McCollum era, Iowa is looking to take a step forward. Yes, the Hawkeyes did just make a run to the Elite Eight, but they left much to be desired in the regular season – especially during Big Ten play.

Iowa wound up finishing squarely in the middle of the pack, completing the 2025-26 season as the lone 10-10 squad in conference play, good for a ninth-place finish.

Seven of their ten losses in the Big Ten came by single digits – including a six-point loss to Illinois, a seven-point falter at Purdue and a three-point blemish against Michigan. Two of those three nail-biter losses (Illinois and Michigan) came at home – which is where Iowa naturally was its most competitive.

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On the road, though, the Hawkeyes struggled mightily, winning just three Big Ten contests away from Iowa City – none of which came against teams in the top half of the conference. In 2026-27, that trend must change, as Iowa has a gauntlet in league play.

Iowa’s 2026-27 Big Ten basketball opponents

Home only: Indiana, Maryland, Michigan State, Minnesota, Oregon, Penn State, Washington

Away only: Illinois, Michigan, Northwestern, Purdue, Rutgers, UCLA, USC

Home & Away: Nebraska, Ohio State, Wisconsin

3 takeaways from Iowa basketball’s 2026-27 Big Ten matchups

Mar 22, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes head coach Ben McCollum calls a timeout against the Florida Gators in the second half during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Avoiding the Breslin Center is a win

Put candidly: Iowa was not going to beat Michigan State on the road in the 2026-27 season. The Hawkeyes and the Spartans are, in a lot of ways, very similar teams in terms of style. Unfortunately, though, Michigan State is in a different stratosphere.

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And to beat essentially a better version of yourself is already tough, but to do it against Tom Izzo and Co. in East Lansing, well that…

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Publish date : 2026-05-13 16:26:00

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