Mark your calendars, Hawkeye fans—Iowa men's basketball is set for a marquee non-conference showdown against Big East foe Creighton on Sunday, November 15, 2026, at the Casey's Center in Des Moines. This matchup, confirmed via an open records request and first reported by From the Hawkeye of the Storm, promises to be a highlight of the 2026-27 season.
The timing couldn't be better for a sports-packed weekend in Iowa City. With the football team hosting Purdue at Kinnick Stadium the day before, Hawkeye faithful will have plenty to cheer for from Friday through Sunday.
This game carries extra intrigue as both programs enter new eras. The Bluejays will be led by first-year head coach Alan Huss, who took over after Greg McDermott's retirement. Huss, a familiar face in Omaha, previously served multiple stints on Creighton's staff before a successful two-year run at High Point, where he posted a stellar 56-15 record.
For Iowa, second-year head coach Ben McCollum is building on a dream debut season. The Hawkeyes captured the nation's attention by reaching their first Elite Eight since 1987, exorcising past tournament demons and re-energizing the fan base. With ten players from that Elite Eight roster returning—including key contributors Cam Manyawu, Kael Combs, Cooper Koch, Tate Sage, and Isaia Howard—plus four newcomers (two high school prospects and two transfers), the future looks bright in Iowa City.
The last meeting between these teams came in 2023, when Creighton edged Iowa 92-84 in Omaha. Both head coaches from that contest have since moved on, adding a fresh chapter to this budding rivalry. The Bluejays are looking to rebound from a tough 2025-26 season that saw them miss the NCAA Tournament with a 16-18 record—a campaign that included former Hawkeyes Owen Freeman and Josh Dix, though neither remains with the program.
As of early May, college basketball insider Jon Rothstein has Iowa ranked 35th nationally and Creighton 39th, setting the stage for a compelling mid-November battle. Whether you're sporting your black and gold gear or just love high-level hoops, this is a game you won't want to miss.