Iowa Women’s Basketball Starts a New Era in Iowa City with a Preseason AP Poll Ranking of No. 21 A new season is quickly approaching, and Iowa City is buzzing with excitement.
Stepping into a new era following the Caitlin Clark years, the Iowa women’s basketball team officially cracked the Preseason AP Top 25 Poll at No. 21. This ranking is a testament to the program’s stability, respect, and promise going into 2025–2026.
Being in the top 25 is no small accomplishment for a team that lost one of the most influential players in college basketball history. It indicates that voters across the country still have faith in Lisa Bluder’s ability to rebuild and reload rather than rebuild and retreat, as well as in the Hawkeyes’ culture. Earlier this fall, Bluder declared, “We’re not going anywhere.” There have always been multiple players in this program. It all comes down to player development, team chemistry, and the conviction that we can compete with anybody.
She’s also correct. Iowa still has a lot of firepower, even without Clark. After a standout season in which she averaged 12.7 points and 7.7 rebounds, senior forward Hannah Stuelke returns as one of the Big Ten’s most physically fit and effective scorers. This season, Iowa’s inside-out offense is likely to revolve around her. She is already regarded as one of the league’s most respected bigs thanks to her strength, speed, and unwavering drive.
A strong and diverse supporting cast surrounds Stuelke. More leadership duties will be given to Sydney Affolter, a tough guard with a talent for handling the little things. Molly Davis, a sophomore, provides consistent playmaking and court vision, and a number of new players, such as Emely Rodriguez, a transfer from UCF, are anticipated to contribute right away. Rodriguez, a “fearless competitor” who averaged double figures as a freshman, is a perfect fit for Iowa’s fast-paced, high-energy system.
Fans who watched this team come together during the offseason may even find the No. 21 ranking to be a little low. Iowa still has the makings of a champion, even though the national spotlight might not be as bright without Clark’s record-breaking threes and viral highlights. They have appeared in consecutive national championship games, and such experience doesn’t simply disappear.
Now that the face of women’s college basketball isn’t leading the charge, the challenge is to preserve that identity. More players stepping into bigger moments, more balanced scoring, and more ball movement are all results of this. It’s refreshing in a way—a reset button that allows fresh names to take center stage.
The competition is intense throughout the Big Ten. The stage is set for another brutal conference schedule with the inclusion of powerhouses like Ohio State, Indiana, and Michigan in the rankings. It’s nothing new that Iowa will have to fight for every inch. This program thrives on undervaluation, and Lisa Bluder’s teams have demonstrated over the years that they perform at their peak when others doubt them.
The anticipation among fans is already growing. Carver-Hawkeye Arena is predicted to sell out for the first few home games, giving Iowa fans their first glimpse of what life after Clark will actually look like. Spoiler alert: it’s still fast, fearless, and enjoyable.
The Hawkeyes, who are ranked No. 21 and eager for more, are prepared to show everyone that greatness isn’t just about one player but rather about a long-lasting program. And that belief is still as strong in Iowa City.
