March Madness is just around the corner, and the Iowa Hawkeyes are heating up at the right time. They snapped a two-game skid with a crucial Quad 1 victory over Nebraska, a win that could be a turning point for their season.
Before clamping down on Nebraska's potent offense, Iowa faced tough losses to Maryland and Purdue. The Maryland game was a surprising stumble, while the Purdue defeat was a blowout that few saw coming.
But with the win against Nebraska, Iowa now sits at 3-5 in Quad 1 matchups, and they're on track for an NCAA Tournament appearance. ESPN's latest bracketology slots Iowa as an eight-seed in the West Region, a promising position for a team that's exceeded expectations.
This season marks Ben McCollum's first as Iowa's head coach, and what a debut it's been. After relocating from Des Moines, McCollum and his staff had limited time to assemble a competitive roster. Given last year's 17-16 record and the complete roster overhaul, expectations were modest.
Yet, McCollum has guided Iowa to 19 wins, already surpassing last season's total. A key rivalry game against Wisconsin looms, adding another layer of excitement to their campaign.
ESPN's projections have Iowa facing nine-seed Saint Mary's in the first round in San Diego. With their sights set on the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2023, Iowa is making waves.
McCollum's knack for winning is undeniable, and as the season progresses, he's shown he can rejuvenate a program in no time. The Hawkeyes are a team to watch as March Madness approaches.