Iowa basketball is already turning heads for next season. Fresh off a thrilling Elite Eight run in the NCAA Tournament—their deepest March Madness push since 1987—the Hawkeyes have landed at No. 19 in USA TODAY Sports' way-too-early top 25 rankings for the 2026-27 season.

It was a storybook first year for head coach Ben McCollum, who led Iowa to 24 wins and signature tournament victories over Clemson, defending champion Florida, and rival Nebraska. While the Final Four remained just out of reach, the Hawkeyes proved they are a program on the rise.

Maintaining that momentum will be the challenge. The team must replace top scorer Bennett Stirtz and will be active in the transfer portal to bolster the guard and center positions. The potential return of a core featuring players like Alvaro Folgueiras, Tate Sage, and Cooper Koch provides a solid foundation, though Folgueiras' status remains a key offseason storyline to watch.

In the broader national picture, Michigan State sits atop the early rankings, with Duke, Michigan, Florida, and Arizona rounding out the top five. The Big Ten is well-represented, with Illinois (No. 6), Purdue (No. 16), Nebraska (No. 18), and Wisconsin (No. 24) also earning preseason recognition.

For Iowa fans, this early recognition is a testament to the program's rapid ascent. The excitement in Iowa City is palpable, and all eyes will be on how McCollum and his staff build upon this breakthrough season.