Hawkeyes are eliminated from Final Four schools by an Iowa women’s basketball recruit.
One of Iowa women’s basketball’s top recruiting targets has formally removed the Hawkeyes from her final four list, in a shocking turn of events that sent shockwaves through Hawkeye Nation. This news is shocking to a fan base still reeling from recent recruiting highs, and it serves as a reminder that the recruiting process is just as unpredictable as the sport itself.
Over the weekend, the highly anticipated prospect—who is considered a five-star talent and one of the best players in the 2026 class—unveiled her updated list. Despite months of intense mutual interest and mounting rumors that the Hawkeyes were definitely in the running, Iowa is no longer included in the new group. She instead reduced her options to four national powerhouses, programs with rosters full of top prospects and extensive tournament resumes.
The development is difficult for Iowa to accept. According to reports, head coach Jan Jensen and her staff took the time to get to know the player, hosting her for a visit earlier this year and keeping in close contact with her during the summer circuit. An up-tempo offense, a player-friendly system, and a culture that supports female basketball stars seemed to be a perfect fit. However, recruiting rarely goes as planned, and it seems that other programs were able to slightly more pique her interest in this instance.
However, in this instance, the recruit’s priorities might just be different. She is reportedly seeking a program that has a proven national championship pedigree and a history of producing WNBA guards. Even though Iowa meets a lot of those requirements, it is evident that a young athlete’s decision-making process can be greatly influenced by perception and legacy.
Several well-known names are still in the running for Iowa’s 2026 class, which recruiting insiders have called “in flux.” A versatile forward from the Southeast and a sharpshooting wing from the Midwest are two more outstanding prospects that the Hawkeyes are still actively pursuing. Although losing one target won’t stop the program’s progress, it does draw attention to the narrow differences between successful and unsuccessful hiring cycles.
If anything, this could motivate Iowa’s employees even more. Underappreciated talent—players who may not have been five-star darlings but became household names—has always been the program’s lifeblood. Consider Monika Czinano, who became one of the most effective post players in the country, or Clark, who revolutionized college basketball.
Regardless of ranking, the Hawkeyes have a talent for identifying players who are a perfect fit for their system. Therefore, even though this recruiting setback may be painful for the time being, it’s not necessarily a sign of decline. One of the most prestigious and thrilling programs in the nation is still Iowa women’s basketball. The brand is stronger than ever, the fan support is unwavering, and the energy inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena is still electrifying.
Even the best recruiters experience recruiting losses. Iowa must continue to persevere, work hard, and keep in mind that the next big star may already be in the wings. Because the story in Iowa City never ends—it’s always waiting for the next chapter to come.
