Something feels different in Iowa City and it didn’t take long for people inside the gym to notice.
When a select group of media members got their first close-up look at the 2026–27 Iowa Hawkeyes women’s basketball women’s basketball team, one thing became clear: this roster doesn’t look like a rebuilding group. Instead, it looks like a team preparing to make serious noise in the Big Ten. Veteran Hawkeyes reporter Chad Leistikow walked away with four major takeaways and each one hints at why Iowa could be far more dangerous than many expect.
The biggest storyline entering the season remains head coach Jan Jensen and how she continues steering the program after the Caitlin Clark era. Last season, Iowa stayed competitive despite major roster turnover, finishing strong in conference play behind improved defense, interior scoring, and the emergence of several young contributors. Players like Hannah Stuelke and Ava Heiden proved they could carry bigger roles, with Heiden posting multiple breakout performances including a career-high 29-point explosion in March.
Takeaway No. 1: Hannah Stuelke Looks Ready to Become Iowa’s Undisputed Star
If there was any doubt about who leads this team now, early impressions erased it.
Stuelke looks every bit like a player ready for full superstar status. The senior forward has already shown flashes of dominance, especially on the glass and in transition. Last season she recorded monster performances, including a 14-point, 16-rebound outing that showcased her ability to control games without needing endless shot attempts.
What stood out during practice wasn’t just scoring it was command. Stuelke reportedly looked more vocal, more assertive, and far more comfortable directing teammates. That matters because Iowa no longer has the luxury of leaning on one generational guard to create everything. They need leadership from inside out.
And Stuelke appears ready to provide exactly that.
Takeaway No. 2: Iowa’s Frontcourt Could Be Scary Good
This may become the most physically imposing Iowa women’s team in years.
Ava Heiden’s growth is impossible to ignore. After a strong sophomore campaign, the talented big looks poised for an even bigger leap. Heiden already demonstrated elite touch around the basket and improved rebounding instincts last season. Her 24-point, 10-rebound double-double against Michigan showed what happens when Iowa runs offense through her.
Now pair that with Stuelke.
That combination gives Iowa size, rebounding, and interior scoring few Big Ten teams can comfortably match. Opponents that bullied Iowa in stretches last year may find life much harder this season.
Simply put: the paint could belong to the Hawkeyes.
Takeaway No. 3: New Transfers May Solve Iowa’s Biggest Weakness
One major issue haunted Iowa at times last season consistent perimeter creation.
That’s why the transfer additions are drawing so much attention.
Leistikow highlighted that Iowa’s newcomers appear capable of adding needed ball-handling, shooting, and defensive versatility. The coaching staff was aggressive in the portal, targeting players who fit Jensen’s system and culture rather than simply chasing stars. That roster-building strategy has become essential in modern college basketball.
Early signs suggest the newcomers are blending quickly.
That matters because Iowa’s offense becomes far more dangerous when defenses can’t collapse solely on Stuelke and Heiden.
Takeaway No. 4: This Team Has Edge and Real Competitive Fire
Perhaps the most important takeaway wasn’t about talent.
It was attitude.
Media observers noted energy, intensity, and competitiveness throughout the session. Practices reportedly carried urgency. Players were vocal. Defensive rotations were sharp. There was visible emotion after big plays.
That edge could define Iowa’s ceiling.
Championship-caliber teams usually show their identity long before opening night. They compete hard in June, not just March. This Hawkeye group appears to understand that.
And maybe that’s what should excite fans most.
Iowa may not have the national spotlight it enjoyed during the Caitlin Clark era, but don’t mistake quieter headlines for lower expectations. This roster has size, experience, developing stars, and fresh talent capable of changing games.
That combination is dangerous.
If Chad Leistikow’s first impressions prove accurate, the 2026–27 Hawkeyes won’t simply be trying to stay relevant they’ll be aiming to surprise the entire country.
And if this early glimpse means anything, Iowa’s next big run may already be underway.
