The Ben McCollum era in Iowa City is off to a roaring start-and Saturday’s 55-point demolition of Bucknell only added fuel to the fire.
Now sitting at 10-2 overall and 1-1 in the Big Ten, the Hawkeyes have dropped games only to top-tier opponents in No. 7 Michigan State and No.
4 Iowa State. But what’s turning heads isn’t just the record-it’s how they’re getting it done.
McCollum has this team locked in on both ends of the floor, and the buy-in is real. From the locker room to the stands, there’s a clear sense that something is building in Iowa.
McCollum’s no-nonsense, gritty style has quickly become the team’s identity. It’s not flashy, but it’s effective-and the players are thriving under it. That kind of culture shift doesn’t just impact the present; it’s shaping the future, too.
Take Trey Thompson, for example. The four-star forward was originally part of the 2026 recruiting class but made the decision to reclassify to 2025 just to get on campus sooner.
That’s a major endorsement of what McCollum is building. When a top prospect accelerates his timeline to be part of your program, it speaks volumes.
While Iowa doesn’t currently have any commits lined up for the 2026 or 2027 classes, McCollum and his staff are already laying the groundwork. They’ve been aggressive on the recruiting trail, especially with some of the elite names in the 2027 cycle-and one of those names is starting to stand out.
Cayden Daughtry, a top-20 prospect in the 2027 class out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, has been lighting it up at the City of Palms Classic in Fort Myers. In a first-round comeback win over Owasso (OK), Daughtry dropped 28 points, grabbed seven boards, dished out four assists, and added three steals. That’s the kind of all-around performance that turns heads-and Iowa’s already in the mix.
According to recruiting insider Sam Kayser, Daughtry mentioned that Iowa has been one of the most consistent programs reaching out to him. That’s not just good news for the Hawkeyes-it’s a sign that McCollum’s message is resonating beyond the Midwest.
Daughtry’s rankings vary slightly depending on the outlet, but the consensus is clear: he’s one of the premier guards in the 2027 class. Rivals has him as Florida’s No. 5 overall prospect, the No. 4 point guard nationally, and No. 21 overall in the class. 247Sports is even higher on him, slotting him as Florida’s No. 6 player, the No. 2 point guard, and No. 14 overall.
If Iowa can land Daughtry, it would be a massive early win for McCollum’s long-term vision. He’s the kind of dynamic floor general who could anchor the Hawkeyes’ backcourt for years to come, and his interest in the program is a sign that Iowa’s recruiting ceiling is rising.
Right now, the Hawkeyes are winning games. But more importantly, they’re winning hearts-of fans, of players, and of future stars. And that’s how sustainable success starts.