As freshman forward Trey Thompson awaits his debut, Iowa is still debating whether to redshirt.
Although Iowa men’s basketball is off to a perfect 7-0 start, one of the most fascinating behind-the-scenes narratives has nothing to do with the players’ actual playing time. Rather, it focuses on 17-year-old forward Trey Thompson, a highly regarded recruit who reclassified to the 2025 class to join the Hawkeyes early. Thompson is currently awaiting word on whether this season will mark the beginning of his college career or if he will redshirt.
Thompson had impressive credentials when he arrived in Iowa City. According to 247Sports’ 2025 recruiting evaluations, the 6-foot-8 and 220-pound native of Greeneville, Tennessee, finished his high school career ranked No. 93 nationally, the No. 17 power forward, and the best player in Tennessee overall. Fans are naturally intrigued when a player with that profile appears early. Is he prepared to assist right away? Is he going to break the rotation? Or will Iowa take a long-term approach?
Thompson hasn’t played a single game this season after seven games. It’s not that he lacks potential—quite the contrary—but rather that Iowa’s roster has become more veteran-heavy as a result of a successful transfer portal offseason. The Hawkeyes haven’t had to throw the teenager into the fire because their rotation is full of seasoned players. This week, head coach Ben McCollum made it apparent that the staff is still not entirely sure how to handle Thompson’s rookie season. Not only are there no deadlines or pressures, but there are also no closed doors.
McCollum stated, “I don’t think we rule anything out at this point,” adding that Thompson has been training every day as though he would play this season. “I believe he should keep making plans as if he were going to play. However, you also don’t want to suddenly put him in for a minute and lose his year of eligibility when you’re up 20 against a team.
Every college coach must perform a difficult balancing act when dealing with young, talented players. A brief, late-game appearance in a blowout can seem harmless on the one hand. However, a single minute of gameplay instantly depletes a season’s worth of eligibility. McCollum’s message was very clear: Iowa wants Thompson’s long-term development to be deliberate, cautious, and strategic. The staff also keeps an eye on Big Ten play, where consistency, experience, and physicality are even more crucial.
McCollum went on, “And then, let’s say you get into Big Ten play and he’s not totally ready or hasn’t beaten certain guys out.” “I don’t worry that he will defeat the guys. I have no doubts that he will play in the Big Ten and excel as a player. I have no worries about that. Not all of that; it’s just a question of when. We are therefore a little more cautious about that. It’s rare for a coach to talk about a 17-year-old who hasn’t played a single minute of college with such assurance, but it’s clear that they believe in Thompson. He is viewed by Iowa as someone who will eventually have a significant impact on the conference, not just as a depth player.
However, the Hawkeyes have the luxury of patience for the time being. The decision has lost some of its urgency due to their perfect start, which now includes an Acrisure Classic title following a 59–46 victory over Grand Canyon on Wednesday. Iowa’s youngest player didn’t have to produce right away, and the veterans took care of business.
Senior point guard Bennett Stirtz scored 13 points in the victory over Grand Canyon, while sophomore Isaia Howard led the way with 19 points after coming off the bench. Such performances highlight how stable the current lineup is. Coaches don’t have to take a chance on the growth of a player who is still getting used to college basketball when older, more seasoned players step up every night.
However, the situation is still unstable. The situation could change at any time due to injuries, roster changes, or a specific matchup. Additionally, Thompson reclassified to arrive a year ahead of schedule, so any playing time he gets this season would be practically a bonus. The question is whether those bonus minutes are worth sacrificing a full year of eligibility.
The staff hasn’t made a decision yet, and it probably won’t until the situation demands it. The There is no doubt that Thompson will play a significant role in Iowa’s future. One of the more interesting subplots in an already promising season for a team that keeps going is whether that future officially begins next fall or this winter.
Thompson’s decision to play now or redshirt is one of the final big choices of the early season as Iowa advances with an undefeated record and growing confidence. Additionally, it’s evident that the Hawkeyes see the rookie not just as a project but also as a building block for years to come given McCollum’s assurance that his time will come.
