As the college basketball season barrels toward the high-major conference tournaments, the Cyclones are making waves. After splitting their games last week-taking down Houston on Big Monday and stumbling against BYU on Saturday-Iowa State finds itself sitting at No. 4 in the latest AP Top rankings.
This isn't just a flash in the pan for the Cyclones. They've been a fixture in the polls every week this season, continuing a streak that stretches back to the 2023-24 season.
Under the guidance of T.J. Otzelberger, they're experiencing the second-longest stay in the rankings in the history of the program.
Despite the setback against BYU, Iowa State was still revealed as a No. 1 seed in the NCAA's initial Top 16 seeding preview. While the loss might shake their grip on that top seed, the defeats of projected No. 2 seeds Houston and Illinois on Saturday provide a cushion for the Cyclones.
Looking ahead, Iowa State faces a crucial road game against Utah on Tuesday. They'll then wrap up the regular season with some heavyweight matchups, including games against ranked opponents Texas Tech and Arizona, before celebrating senior night against Arizona State.
Why does all this matter? Simply put, Iowa State has been a powerhouse all season.
The loss to a ranked BYU squad doesn't change that storyline. Among Big 12 teams, only Houston boasts a longer streak in the AP Top 25.
What’s the big picture here? Iowa State's blend of strong performances and impressive metrics has them well-positioned as the regular season winds down. Both data and the eye test are giving due respect to this 23-4 squad, with marquee victories over projected protected seeds like Purdue, Kansas, and Houston.
Here's how the AP Top 25 shakes out:
- Duke
- Arizona
- Michigan
- Iowa State
- Houston
- UConn
- Florida
- Purdue
- Gonzaga
- Illinois
- Virginia
- Nebraska
- Michigan State
- Kansas
- St.
John’s
16.
Texas Tech
17.
Alabama
18.
North Carolina
19.
BYU
20.
Arkansas
21.
Miami-Ohio
22.
Tennessee
23.
St. Louis
- Louisville
- Vanderbilt
With the season’s end in sight, the Cyclones are poised to make a significant impact. Keep an eye on this team as they continue their quest for glory.