Tate Sage quietly earned the trust of Iowa head coach Ben McCollum last season, but those days of flying under the radar may already be over. After emerging as one of the Hawkeyes’ biggest surprises during McCollum’s debut campaign, Sage is now being tipped as one of the Big Ten’s next breakout stars a prediction that could have a huge impact on Iowa’s hopes next season.
National college basketball insider Jon Rothstein recently placed Sage among his projected Big Ten breakout players for the 2026-27 season, signaling that expectations around the versatile sophomore are rapidly growing. For Iowa, the timing couldn’t be more important as the Hawkeyes prepare to replace several key contributors from last year’s Elite Eight squad.
Sage appeared in all 37 games during his freshman season and steadily developed into one of McCollum’s most reliable options off the bench. He averaged 6.1 points, 2.1 rebounds, and shot an efficient 49.3 percent from the field while connecting on an impressive 38.9 percent of his three-point attempts in just 16.2 minutes per game. Those numbers only tell part of the story, however, as his energy, athleticism, and versatility made him one of Iowa’s most dependable reserve players.
His journey to Iowa has been just as interesting. Sage originally committed to Ben McCollum in September 2024 when McCollum was still leading Drake. When McCollum accepted the Iowa head coaching position, Sage stayed loyal and followed him to Iowa City. At the time, much of the attention centered on transfers Bennett Stirtz, Tavion Banks, Brendan Hausen, and Alvaro Folgueiras, leaving Sage largely overlooked entering the season.
That changed quickly.
As the season progressed, Sage earned consistent minutes and frequently became McCollum’s first player off the bench. His confidence grew with every appearance, and he delivered highlight-reel dunks, timely three-pointers, and defensive plays that helped fuel Iowa’s memorable NCAA Tournament run to the Elite Eight.
Now, the challenge becomes even greater.
The departures of standout players Bennett Stirtz, Brendan Hausen, and Alvaro Folgueiras leave significant production to replace. Stirtz alone averaged 19.8 points per game, creating a major offensive void that Iowa must fill. Rather than relying on one player to duplicate that scoring output, the Hawkeyes could adopt a committee approach, with Sage expected to become one of the primary offensive weapons.
His expanded role is already becoming one of the biggest storylines of Iowa’s offseason.
Summer workouts are well underway, and Sage appears positioned to move into the starting lineup. Although no official lineup has been announced, early projections suggest Iowa could open the season with Ty’Reek Coleman, Kael Combs, Tate Sage, Cooper Koch, and Andrew McKeever as its starting five.
If that projection becomes reality, Sage will no longer be viewed as an impact reserve. Instead, he’ll be counted on to deliver consistent scoring, defend elite opponents, and provide leadership on both ends of the floor.
Fortunately for Iowa, Sage possesses the physical tools to handle that responsibility.
Standing 6-foot-7, the former Oklahoma standout entered college as the state’s No. 2-ranked prospect thanks to his combination of size, athleticism, and two-way versatility. Last season offered several glimpses of that potential as he attacked the basket with authority, stretched defenses with reliable outside shooting, and demonstrated the ability to guard multiple positions.
Those qualities could become even more valuable next season.
Opposing defenses are likely to focus far more attention on Sage than they did during his freshman campaign. As a projected starter, he’ll face stronger defenders and increased pressure every night. How he responds to those challenges could determine whether Iowa remains among the Big Ten’s top contenders.
Cooper Koch is another player expected to take on a larger offensive role, but Sage’s ability to impact nearly every aspect of the game may make him one of McCollum’s most indispensable players. Whether it’s knocking down perimeter shots, finishing above the rim, grabbing key rebounds, or defending the opponent’s best scorer, Sage has already shown flashes of doing it all.
That’s exactly why Rothstein’s prediction carries so much significance.
Being labeled a breakout candidate by one of college basketball’s most respected analysts places a spotlight on Sage before the season even begins. It also reflects the belief that his freshman production was only the beginning.
For Ben McCollum, Sage’s continued development isn’t simply a bonus it’s becoming a necessity. Iowa is entering a new era after losing several proven stars, and the program needs someone ready to embrace a larger role.
If Sage builds on the promise he displayed last season, the Hawkeyes may once again have one of the Big Ten’s most dangerous and versatile players leading the charge.
