After a gritty 66-62 win over Rutgers inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena, Iowa basketball is back in the national conversation. The Hawkeyes have reentered the USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll, landing at No. 25 - a deserved nod after a steady climb fueled by timely performances and a growing sense of identity.
At the heart of Iowa’s resurgence is senior guard Bennett Stirtz, who continues to prove he’s more than just a scorer - he’s the engine of this Hawkeye offense. Against Rutgers, Stirtz dropped 20 points, leading the way in a game that demanded every bit of his poise and shot-making.
At 6-foot-4 and 190 pounds, the Liberty, Missouri native is putting together a season that’s hard to ignore. He’s averaging a team-best 18.3 points per game while shooting an efficient 47.5% from the field.
Add in 36.8% shooting from beyond the arc, 5.0 assists, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game, and you’ve got a player who’s doing a little bit of everything - and doing it well.
Stirtz’s leadership has come at a critical time for Iowa, which now sits at 14-5 overall and 4-4 in Big Ten play. The conference is as deep and competitive as ever, and the latest Coaches Poll reflects that.
Iowa is one of six Big Ten teams in the top 25, joining Michigan (No. 2), Nebraska (No.
5), Michigan State (No. 8), Illinois (No. 10), and Purdue (No.
12). While Michigan and Nebraska continue to surge, Purdue has taken a significant tumble, dropping eight spots from No. 4 after a rough stretch.
For Iowa, the path forward offers both opportunity and challenge. Two key matchups loom this week, starting with a home game against USC on Wednesday, January 28.
Tipoff is set for 6 p.m. CT on Big Ten Network.
Then comes a road test at Oregon on Sunday, February 1, with a 7 p.m. CT start on FS1.
Both games present a chance for the Hawkeyes to solidify their spot in the rankings - or climb even higher.
Here’s how the full USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll shakes out this week:
- Arizona (20-0) - Still perfect and still the team to beat.
- Michigan (18-1) - The Wolverines keep rolling and look every bit like a Final Four contender.
- UConn (19-1) - Steady and dangerous, the Huskies are right in the thick of it.
- Duke (18-1) - A one-spot jump for the Blue Devils after another strong week.
- Nebraska (20-0) - Undefeated and climbing.
The Cornhuskers are making serious noise.
6.
Gonzaga (21-1) - Another leap forward for a team that knows how to peak at the right time.
7.
Houston (17-2) - Took a small dip, but still a top-10 mainstay.
8.
Michigan State (18-2) - The Spartans are back in the top 10 and playing with confidence.
9.
Iowa State (18-2) - Holding steady with a balanced attack.
10.
Illinois (17-3) - Quietly climbing, and very much in the Big Ten title mix.
11.
Texas Tech (16-4) - A consistent presence in the top 15.
12.
Purdue (17-3) - The biggest drop this week, but still a dangerous squad.
13.
BYU (17-2) - Staying put at No. 13, showing consistency.
14.
Kansas (15-5) - A five-spot jump as the Jayhawks find their rhythm.
15.
Vanderbilt (17-3) - Slipped one spot, but still in good shape.
16.
Arkansas (15-5) - Up four spots after a strong showing.
17.
Virginia (16-3) - A slight drop, but still a tough out.
18.
North Carolina (16-4) - Up six spots with momentum on their side.
19.
Clemson (17-4) - Just a one-spot dip after a close loss.
20.
Louisville (14-5) - Another steady week for the Cardinals.
21.
Florida (14-6) - Dropped five spots after a tough week.
22.
Saint Louis (19-1) - Quietly one of the best records in the country.
23.
Alabama (13-6) - Slid six spots, but still hanging on.
24.
St. John's (15-5) - Moved up one spot, continuing to grind.
- Miami (OH) (20-0) and Iowa (14-5) - A tie at No. 25, with both teams earning their way in.
Iowa’s return to the rankings is more than just a number next to their name - it’s a reflection of a team that’s starting to click, led by a veteran guard playing the best basketball of his career. With two big games on the horizon, the Hawkeyes have a real shot to keep the momentum rolling.