The Iowa Hawkeyes men's basketball team now knows the full slate of Big Ten opponents for the 2026-27 season, and fans are already circling their calendars. With the conference schedule officially set, let's break down what lies ahead for a program riding high after its first Elite Eight appearance since 1987.
The Home Slate
Iowa will welcome a solid mix of talent to Carver-Hawkeye Arena, hosting Indiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Michigan State, Oregon, Penn State, and Washington. The highlight here is clearly Michigan State, a perennial powerhouse that always draws a big crowd. There's also a fun storyline brewing: Pryce Sandfort will return to Iowa City, this time wearing a Nebraska jersey after transferring to the Cornhuskers.
The Road Challenges
The away schedule looks significantly tougher. The Hawkeyes will travel to hostile environments at Illinois, Michigan, Northwestern, Purdue, Rutgers, UCLA, and USC. That's a gauntlet of some of the league's most intimidating venues. Reigning national champion Michigan awaits on the road, while trips to Purdue and Illinois are never easy. The West Coast swing against UCLA and USC also poses a stiffer test than last season's Pacific Northwest trip to struggling Oregon and Washington.
Double-Play Opponents
Iowa didn't catch a break with its double-play opponents. The Hawkeyes will face Nebraska, Wisconsin, and Ohio State twice each—all three programs that made the NCAA Tournament last season. While rosters will evolve, this is a challenging draw for a team looking to build on its postseason momentum.
Building on Momentum
Under head coach Ben McCollum, Iowa is positioned to make another run. The Hawkeyes return at least 10 players from last season's Elite Eight squad and have added four newcomers. Transfer portal additions Ty'Reek Coleman (Illinois State) and Andrew McKeever (Saint Mary's) bring experience, while a pair of high school signings add young talent to the mix.
Specific game dates, times, and TV information will be announced later, but one thing is clear: Iowa's path through the Big Ten will test their depth and resilience. For a program on the rise, this schedule offers plenty of opportunities to make a statement.