What Is Iowa State Basketball Today?
Iowa State basketball is the men’s NCAA Division I program representing Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa, competing in the powerful Big 12 Conference. Under head coach T.J. Otzelberger, the Cyclones have rebuilt into a tough, defense-first program that consistently reaches the NCAA Tournament and thrives in high-pressure games.
Otzelberger has taken Iowa State to the NCAA Tournament in each of his first four seasons, including two Sweet 16 runs, while using recruiting and the transfer portal to reshape the roster.[2] Coming off a 25-10 season in 2024-25 and another March Madness appearance, the Cyclones entered 2025-26 with elevated expectations and the goal of making a deeper postseason run.[2][6]
The 2025-26 Start and the Historic Win Over Purdue
The 2025-26 schedule opened with a series of home and neutral-site games that quickly tested Iowa State’s ceiling. The Cyclones rolled past Fairleigh Dickinson, Grambling State, Mississippi State and Stonehill, then headed to Las Vegas to defeat St. John’s, Creighton and Syracuse in a high-profile event, staying unbeaten and building a nine-game winning streak.[1][2][3]
The signature moment came on the road at No. 1 Purdue, where Iowa State delivered a dominant performance described as a historic rout of the top-ranked Boilermakers.[3][4] That blowout victory showcased the Cyclones’ elite defense, depth and composure in a hostile environment, instantly boosting their national ranking and cementing their status as a serious Big 12 and NCAA title contender.
Big 12 Gauntlet and Cyclones’ National Outlook
Ahead lies a brutal Big 12 slate featuring home games against West Virginia, Oklahoma State, Colorado, Baylor, Kansas, Houston, Texas Tech and Arizona State, and road trips to Baylor, Kansas, Cincinnati, Oklahoma State, Kansas State, TCU, BYU, Utah and Arizona.[1][3][7] Navigating that schedule with a strong record would put Iowa State in the mix for a top-four Big 12 seed and a favorable position on Selection Sunday.
Given their recent tournament consistency, 2024-25 conference success and 2025-26 undefeated start, national analysts view Iowa State as more than just an early-season story.[2][6] With Hilton Coliseum’s intense atmosphere, a proven coaching staff and a roster built for physical Big 12 play, the Cyclones are positioned to influence both the conference title race and the shape of the 2026 NCAA Tournament field.