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League: NCAAMSport: College SportsCountry: United StatesCategory: Scores & Results

ESPN rates Iowa basketball in preseason tier for 2026-27

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 27, 2026, 11:45 AM

Last updated Oct 27, 2026

ESPN rates Iowa basketball in preseason tier for 2026-27
Summary

Iowa faces Illinois Springfield in an exhibition game tonight at Xtream Arena in Coralville, Iowa. ESPN has rated the Hawkeyes in the lowest tier, 'check back next year,' due to significant player departures, including top scorer Bennett Stirtz. Iowa lost Stirtz, along with its second- and third-leading scorers, Tavion Banks and Alvaro Folgueiras. However, the team has added transfers Ty'Reek Coleman and Andrew McKeever to bolster its roster. The regular season begins for Iowa on November 3 against Lipscomb.

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Yahoo Sports
By the Numbers
  • •Iowa plays Illinois Springfield tonight in an exhibition.
  • •ESPN places Iowa in the 'check back next year' tier.
  • •Bennett Stirtz, a key player, has departed the team.
  • •Transfers Ty'Reek Coleman and Andrew McKeever join Iowa.
  • •Iowa's regular season begins November 3 against Lipscomb.
Latest Updates
  • 11:45 AMYahoo Sports — 'Check back next year': ESPN shares preseason Iowa basketball tier
What they're saying
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ESPN shared why it's down on Iowa heading into the 2026-27 men's college basketball season.

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