The 2025-26 season represents a bold transition for Iowa basketball. With just one returning player, forward Cooper Koch (4.6 PPG), the Hawkeyes are hitting the court with an entirely new identity — one built through the transfer portal and rooted in familiar chemistry from Drake University.

🔁 Portal-Fueled Rebuild

Iowa added 8 transfers, including five players from Drake, creating a built-in core that’s already played together.

Key Transfers:

• Bennett Stirtz (19.2 PPG, Drake): A high-IQ scoring guard and the engine of this rebuild.

• Alvaro Folgueiras (13.8 PPG, Robert Morris): A skilled forward with international flair.

• Brendan Hausen (10.9 PPG, Kansas State): Brings Power 5 shooting and toughness.

• Tavion Banks (10.1 PPG, Drake): Versatile forward who plays bigger than his size.

• Cam Manyawu (7.1 PPG, Drake): Physical and athletic presence in the paint.

• Ashton Williamson (7.3 PPG, FIU): Quick guard with aggressive defense.

• Isaia Howard (4.5 PPG, Drake) & Kael Combs (3.8 PPG, Drake): Depth and glue guys.

• Joey Matteoni (Drake redshirt): Practice-ready and familiar with the system.

🌱 High School Recruits: Fresh Faces Up Front

While not ranked nationally, Iowa also brings in two freshman forwards:

• Trevin Jirak

• Tate Sage

Both are developmental prospects who may benefit from redshirt or situational minutes.

🧩 Can Chemistry Carry This Team?

This may be one of the most unique builds in the Big Ten — a team full of new faces, but many of whom are familiar with each other’s tendencies. Coach Ben McCollum is betting on instant cohesion and portal maturity.

If the Drake connection delivers, Iowa could surprise opponents despite being overlooked in preseason rankings.