It’s getting harder for the rest of the college basketball world to ignore what’s going on in Iowa City as the momentum surrounding Iowa men’s basketball keeps growing. Now that the Hawkeyes have defeated UCLA handily at home, they seem ready to take another step forward, both in terms of confidence and in terms of national recognition.
CBS Sports believes that step will come in the form of a rise in this week’s AP Top 25 Poll.
According to CBS Sports, Iowa will move up two spots, from No. 25 to No. 23, after crushing the UCLA Bruins 74–61 at a boisterous Carver-Hawkeye Arena. On paper, it’s a small increase, but it shows how rapidly attitudes are shifting under first-year head coach Ben McCollum. The early results of McCollum’s tenure are extremely positive.
Iowa is currently 12-2 overall, and the Hawkeyes appear to be more than just competitive; they also appear stable, self-assured, and dangerous. It wasn’t an anomaly or a hot shooting night for the victory over UCLA. It was a comprehensive performance that demonstrated self-control, a strong defense, and an increasing sense of confidence among the players.
The triumph on Saturday took place in front of a sold-out Carver-Hawkeye Arena, and the enthusiasm within was evident. Iowa methodically developed its own offense while controlling the game from beginning to end, limiting UCLA to just 61 points. The fact that the Bruins never really found their rhythm is evidence of Iowa’s skill at controlling tempo and defensive execution.
The performance struck a chord across the country. Given that the Hawkeyes have now won two straight games since joining the AP Poll for the first time two weeks ago, CBS Sports writer Kyle Boone emphasized the UCLA victory as a significant factor in Iowa’s anticipated rise. What’s even more impressive is that Iowa is on a four-game winning streak, which has given the program confidence and made the other Big Ten teams take notice.
After Iowa defeated UCLA 74–61 at home this weekend, Boone wrote, “I’m expecting a rise in the poll this week.” “This Hawkeyes team (12-2) is on a four-game winning streak heading into Tuesday’s road trip against Minnesota, having won two straight since joining the poll for the first time two weeks ago.”
That road test in Minneapolis is next, and it won’t be an easy one.
On Tuesday, January 6, Iowa travels north to play the Minnesota Golden Gophers at 7 p.m. The Big Ten Network will broadcast the CT game. It’s a crucial early-season Big Ten matchup for both teams, with Minnesota coming into the game 2-1 in conference play and 9-5 overall.
The conference’s road games are rarely forgiving, and Minnesota’s physical style and familiarity with Iowa only make things more difficult. The Hawkeyes see this game as a chance to demonstrate that they are more than just a formidable opponent at home and that their recent success can travel.
Then comes an even bigger test.
On Sunday, January 11, Iowa returns to Iowa City for a major matchup against Illinois after the Minnesota game. The broadcast will be carried by FOX, and tip-off is scheduled for 11 a.m. CT. With an overall record of 11-3 and a Big Ten record of 2-1 going into the week, Illinois is poised for one of the conference’s early pivotal games. The Hawkeyes won’t just be rising in the polls if they can make it through the Minnesota road trip and defend home court against Illinois. Instead, they will solidify their position as a serious Big Ten contender and a team to watch in March.
This is what gives this moment its unique feel. There’s a feeling that Iowa is creating something long-lasting rather than merely riding a short wave of success. The team’s balance on both ends of the floor has been apparent during this recent stretch, and the roster seems at ease in McCollum’s system.
These are the kinds of victories and weeks that count for a program hoping to make a comeback on a national scale. A clear victory over UCLA at home sent a message. The loudness of that message will depend on what happens next.
The spotlight is shining on Iowa as they get ready for a crucial stretch of conference play. The Hawkeyes are ranked, winning, and now national media outlets like CBS Sports are taking them seriously. It’s unclear if this week’s AP Poll reflects that opinion, but one thing is certain: Iowa basketball is gaining momentum and deserving of all the attention it receives.
