In a heart-dropping turn of events, Taylor McCabe season-ending injury has been confirmed after the Iowa senior suffered a torn ACL during the Hawkeyes’ decisive 91-70 win over No. 12 Ohio State this past Sunday. The devastating diagnosis means the sharpshooting guard will undergo surgery and miss the remainder of her final college season bringing an abrupt end to one of the most impactful careers in recent Iowa women’s basketball history.
Iowa Women’s Basketball 2025–2026 Season TV Schedule and Tipoff Times Announced
McCabe Goes Down Early in Big Big Ten Win
Just twenty-three seconds into the game at Carver-Hawkeye Arena, McCabe fell awkwardly on defense, grabbing at her left knee before being lifted off the ground. Days after an emotional MRI and announcement on Monday, what at first appeared to be a scare was later confirmed as a complete ACL tear, effectively ending her senior year and collegiate playing.
In a heartfelt statement, McCabe said, “I’ve dreamed of finishing my senior season with this team, but adversity has always been part of the game.” “For the remainder of this season, I’m dedicated to getting better and helping my teammates in any way I can. I am appreciative of my teammates, coaches, and everyone who has supported me during my time at the University of Iowa.
A Legacy of Accuracy and Leadership
We will never forget McCabe’s influence on the hardwood. Taylor McCabe season-ending injury, she is a native of Fremont, Nebraska, and retires as one of the program’s most effective long-range shooters. McCabe is ranked eleventh in Hawkeye history with 172 career 3-pointers made, and her career 3-point shooting percentage (.407) is tied for the highest in school history.
She had been a consistent contributor this season, averaging 8.1 points and 3.5 rebounds per game while making 37 percent of her threes. Her seasoned presence on both ends of the court, from clutch perimeter shooting to lock-down defense, kept Iowa at the top of the Big Ten and nationally.
Coach Jensen, Team Respond
Jan Jensen, the head coach, called the news “incredibly difficult,” emphasizing McCabe’s influence that goes well beyond the stat sheet. Jensen remarked, “Taylor gave this team everything she had.” Our locker room culture is infused with her leadership, work ethic, and influence. She will always be a member of our Hawkeye family, and we are grateful that she chose to be a Hawkeye.
Losing a senior leader at this point, especially one with national title game experience, carries both tactical and emotional weight, even as the team celebrates a historic road victory and keeps up its momentum.
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What This Means for Iowa’s Roster
The Hawkeyes’ rotation will change with McCabe out. Younger players are ready to step up, and Coach Jensen has depth to rely on. In Sunday’s victory, freshman Addie Deal had a career-night performance. Taylor Stremlow, Chit-Chat Wright, and Hannah Stuelke will probably play bigger roles. As the stretch run draws near, Iowa’s bench will be heavily relied upon, particularly with big games against USC and UCLA approaching.
Essentially, depth could be Iowa’s strength this season, as both fans and analysts have noted, and this belief will be put to the test more than ever. Without one of its most seasoned shooters, a team that has already shown it can overcome hardship will need to come together and come up with new strategies to win.
Beyond Basketball: McCabe’s Next Chapter
This injury is not the end of McCabe’s journey. She is expected to earn a degree in civil engineering this May, which is a testament to her commitment both on and off the court. Turning a challenging situation into a chance to continue supporting Iowa women’s basketball, she intends to remain with the program as a graduate assistant while pursuing postgraduate studies.
University of Iowa official statement
Although she won’t be playing in black and gold this season, her legacy as one of Iowa’s top shooters and leaders will live on thanks to her tenacity, fortitude, and team-first mentality.
