Iowa women’s basketball begins 2026 with an exciting win over Nebraska. What a way to start the new year for Iowa Women’s Basketball! The Hawkeyes have demonstrated they are prepared to compete at the top level following an incredible start to the 2025–2026 season. Before losing two of three games to elite programs No. 10 Iowa State and No. 1 UConn, Iowa started the season on a high note, winning their first nine games.
Iowa finished 2025 with a dominant 23-point victory over Big Ten rival Penn State, showcasing their defensive prowess and depth of scoring. The team took on No. 20 Nebraska on Thursday with that momentum in hand, eager to demonstrate that they could maintain their superiority into the upcoming season. The Cornhuskers were on a historic high going into the game. Nebraska had a flawless 10-0 record, the best start in program history. They were keen to continue their winning run after suffering a close 74-66 defeat to No. 17 USC in their last game of 2025.
But the game didn’t start the way Iowa supporters had hoped. For almost seven minutes in the first quarter, the Hawkeyes did not make a basket due to their offensive struggles. Nebraska jumped out to a 10-2 lead after a series of turnovers only made their early problems worse. However, Iowa’s defense—a cornerstone of Coach Jan Jensen’s philosophy—quickly brought the ship under control. The Hawkeyes fought their way back into contention by holding the Cornhuskers to just seven points in the last seven minutes of the first quarter.
In the second quarter, Iowa went on a fast 7-0 run to take the lead. After that, both teams traded baskets and defensive stops as the game turned into a tense, back-and-forth contest. Cornhuskers tested Iowa at every opportunity, refusing to leave quietly. However, the Hawkeyes showed fortitude and composure, refusing to let early setbacks determine the result. Iowa didn’t start to lose ground until about five minutes into the fourth quarter. The team was able to establish a lead they wouldn’t give up thanks to their combination of deft shooting, persistent rebounding, and disciplined defense. Iowa won 86-76 by the final buzzer, their first victory of 2026 and their second victory over a ranked opponent this year.
Iowa’s victory was largely due to individual performances. Leading the charge was Chit-Chat Wright, who scored a season-high 24 points and made an outstanding 11 of 12 free-throw attempts. Wright’s effectiveness at the charity stripe sparked her teammates and kept the Hawkeyes in the game during pivotal moments. Hannah Stuelke finished with 21 points and 10 rebounds, continuing her outstanding campaign. Ava Heiden, meanwhile, finished with a strong frontcourt performance that frustrated Nebraska all night long with 18 points and seven rebounds.
Coach Jan Jensen commended her team’s perseverance and hard work following the final buzzer. “This was a game that demanded everything from us, and Nebraska is always a tough opponent,” Jensen remarked. She noted that the team “grew up a little” as a result of Hannah Stuelke’s exceptional performance. In addition to boosting morale, the win put Iowa in a tie for first place in the Big Ten Conference, demonstrating their ongoing development and competitiveness.
In the future, Iowa will play two difficult road games: Indiana on January 11 and Northwestern on January 5. The Hawkeyes’ reliability and capacity to perform well away from home will be put to the test in these games. After that stretch, the team will host Oregon on January 15 at Carver-Hawkeye Arena, giving them another chance to gain momentum in front of their supporters.
Iowa Women’s Basketball appears ready to make a significant run in the Big Ten this season thanks to a combination of seasoned leadership, up-and-coming talent, and a revitalized sense of confidence. The victory over Nebraska on Thursday was a statement rather than just another victory on the schedule. The Hawkeyes demonstrated that perseverance, teamwork, and astute coaching can win games even when they don’t get off to a great start. Every game promises thrills, drama, and the occasional clutch performance that could define a season, and it serves as an exciting reminder to fans that this Iowa team is built to fight until the very last second.
The message is clear as the team moves into the center of the conference schedule: Iowa is playing to leave their mark, not just to win. The Hawkeyes are prepared for whatever challenges lie ahead, if the first game of 2026 is any indication.
