Iowa Basketball Faces Crucial Offseason in the Transfer Portal: What Hawkeyes Need to Stay Elite

The 2025-26 season was nothing short of a revelation for Iowa basketball. Under first-year head coach Ben McCollum, the Hawkeyes stormed to the Elite Eight, marking their deepest NCAA Tournament run in nearly four decades. The team, a mix of savvy transfers and under-the-radar talent, exceeded expectations and positioned McCollum as one of the brightest young minds in college hoops. But now comes the hard part: turning this Cinderella story into a sustainable powerhouse.

With Bennett Stirtz, Tavion Banks, and Brendan Hausen all graduating, Iowa faces significant roster turnover. To avoid the dreaded one-hit-wonder label, McCollum will have to be aggressive in the transfer portal, targeting players who can fill key gaps and elevate the Hawks to the next level. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the Hawkeyes’ biggest offseason needs.

1. The Hunt for a Primary Ball Handler

Next season, the most glaring hole on Iowa’s roster is at point guard. Stirtz wasn’t just a starter he was the engine of the team. He logged heavy minutes, orchestrated the offense, and made remarkably few mistakes. Replacing that level of leadership is no small task.

Returning guard Kael Combs is expected to anchor the backcourt, but he isn’t built to play 35 minutes per night running the offense. McCollum’s challenge is to find a true floor general who can command the team, set up plays, and keep turnovers to a minimum. The portal offers some options, but the Hawkeyes need someone who can step in immediately and handle pressure-packed moments, particularly in March.

Without a reliable point guard, the Hawks risk losing their offensive rhythm. Stirtz’s departure isn’t just about losing points it’s about losing decision-making under pressure. Whoever McCollum adds must have both the skillset and poise to become the next Hawkeye floor leader.

2. Adding Size to Battle in the Paint

Iowa’s Elite Eight exit highlighted a structural weakness: size. The Hawks’ smaller lineups struggled on the boards, and it ultimately cost them against Illinois, who dominated the glass and dictated the paint.

Returning big Cam Manyawu showed flashes, but at 6-foot-9, he often got pushed around by more traditional centers. McCollum needs a reliable, physically imposing presence to ensure this shortcoming doesn’t reappear next season.

The portal is rich with versatile forwards and traditional bigs who can provide 10-15 minutes of steady post play, grab crucial rebounds, and defend the rim. For Iowa, adding one or two players who can consistently compete inside is a priority. The Hawkeyes need someone who can match the size of the Big Ten’s top teams, particularly in March when height and strength often make the difference between a win and a heartbreak.

3. Sharpshooter to Stretch the Floor

Three-point shooting has been a cornerstone of Iowa’s success, but the team will lose significant firepower from beyond the arc. Stirtz led the squad with 92 made threes at 35.8%, while Banks added 44.2% from deep, and Hausen contributed 22 threes at 32.8%. That’s a huge chunk of perimeter scoring that won’t be returning.

The good news? Cooper Koch (40.2%) and Tate Sage (38.9%) are back, and their long-range accuracy will remain vital. But spacing is key in today’s game, and Iowa needs another shooter who can demand defensive attention, opening lanes for drives and post-ups.

The ideal addition would be a guard or wing with a high-volume three-point shot and a quick release someone who can change a game in an instant. With the right shooter, McCollum can maintain Iowa’s dynamic offense and keep defenses honest.

4. The Bigger Picture: Maintaining Momentum

Adding a point guard, a big, and a sharpshooter might seem straightforward, but McCollum is tasked with finding the right personalities who fit his system. Chemistry matters especially in March. The 2026-27 Hawkeyes need to replicate last season’s balance of grit, shooting, and basketball IQ.

Fans might remember how the team defied expectations with a mix of overlooked talent. Players like Manyawu and Kael Combs emerged as key contributors because they fit the system and bought into the culture. Any portal additions need to mirror that mindset: skilled, coachable, and ready to thrive under pressure.

5. Real-World Examples of Portal Success

Other programs have shown how impactful the transfer portal can be. Take Clemson’s recent backcourt acquisitions or Xavier’s big men additions both reshaped their teams in a single offseason. Iowa has a similar opportunity. If McCollum identifies the right mix of talent, the Hawks could turn an Elite Eight finish into a Final Four contender.

The portal is competitive, but McCollum’s reputation is growing, which helps. Players want to compete in the Big Ten and showcase their skills on a national stage. A strong push for a point guard, an interior presence, and a sharpshooter could make Iowa a magnet for top-tier transfers seeking visibility and March success.

6. What Fans Should Watch

Here’s what to keep an eye on in the coming weeks:

• Transfer rumors at point guard: Iowa’s ability to maintain offensive flow hinges on this position. Any news here will be pivotal.
• Height in the post: Will Iowa bring in a true 6-foot-10+ player to handle Big Ten bigs?
• Three-point specialists: With perimeter production lost, a sharpshooter could be the difference-maker in close games.

Each move McCollum makes in the portal isn’t just about filling gaps it’s about building a team capable of contending for Big Ten and national honors.

7. Looking Ahead

The 2026-27 season presents both challenges and opportunities. Iowa’s returning roster is strong, but the departures of Stirtz, Banks, and Hausen create real holes. The transfer portal is the solution but only if the team targets the right combination of talent, size, and shooting.

If McCollum succeeds in landing a primary ball handler, a big man, and a sharpshooter, the Hawkeyes could go from a Cinderella story to a legitimate Final Four contender. For Iowa basketball fans, the next few weeks in the portal might be the most exciting of the offseason.

The Hawkeyes aren’t just chasing another deep NCAA run they’re trying to build a lasting legacy. The stakes are high, but the potential rewards are even greater.