The Iowa Hawkeyes closed out 2025 in emphatic fashion, steamrolling UMass Lowell 90-62 to put a bow on their non-conference schedule. With that win, Iowa wrapped up the calendar year at 11-1 outside of Big Ten play - their only blemish coming in the annual Cy-Hawk rivalry clash with Iowa State.
For first-year head coach Ben McCollum, it’s been a strong opening statement. The Hawkeyes have taken care of business against teams they were expected to beat, and they’ve done it with consistency.
But McCollum isn’t settling. He’s already looking ahead, and he’s made it clear: the non-conference slate is going to get tougher.
“You probably want to play enough of the buy games to build your confidence and to get more bodies in,” McCollum said recently. “So, you don't want to eliminate those because you can play your depth. But we want to play more power conference teams next…”
Translation? McCollum understands the balance.
Those early-season matchups against mid-majors serve a purpose - they help build rhythm, allow for roster evaluation, and give younger players valuable minutes. But as far as long-term goals go, he wants Iowa tested early and often.
That’s a refreshing mindset for a program that’s often found itself on the bubble come March. Playing a tougher non-conference schedule could give the Hawkeyes more margin for error once the grind of Big Ten play begins - especially if they hit a rough patch. And with the team currently sitting at No. 11 in the NET rankings, there’s a real opportunity to build a resume that holds up under scrutiny.
McCollum’s approach also speaks to a broader vision. He’s not just trying to pile up wins - he’s trying to build a tournament-ready team.
The kind of team that’s battle-tested before conference play even starts. The kind of team that doesn’t just make the NCAA Tournament, but makes noise once it gets there.
Through 13 games, Iowa has shown it can handle business. The offense is humming, the depth is being utilized, and the team has responded well under new leadership.
But McCollum isn’t one to rest on early-season success. He’s thinking ahead - to March, to tougher competition, and to elevating the program’s national profile.
Most importantly, he’s stayed true to his original promise: to make the state of Iowa proud. So far, he’s doing just that. And if his vision for a more challenging schedule comes to life, the Hawkeyes could be setting themselves up for something even bigger down the road.