Big 12 Coaches Picked Iowa State 11th

The volleyball team faces a rebuilding season following significant roster turnover.

Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Volleyball

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Do you feel optimistic about your local team's prospects following major roster turnover?

Big 12 coaches have ranked Iowa State 11th out of 16 teams in the conference's annual preseason poll. The lower standing follows a period of major upheaval for the Ames-based program.

Why it matters

The low preseason ranking highlights the challenges facing the team after nine players left through the transfer portal this offseason. The roster currently features only three returning players.

The current Iowa State roster has only three returning players, with only two possessing starting experience. This follows the loss of nine players to the transfer portal during the offseason.

The players

Audi Crooks

A former Iowa State player who transferred to another program and was named the preseason Player of the Year.

Addy Brown

A former Iowa State player who departed the team via the transfer portal during the offseason.

The details

Following a first-round loss in the NCAA Tournament, the program saw significant changes to its lineup, including the departure of key players like Audi Crooks and Addy Brown to other programs. No Iowa State players were named to the Big 12 preseason team.

The Big 12 preseason poll was officially released on Oct. 8, 2026.
Iowa State will play an exhibition game against Upper Iowa on Oct. 28, 2026.
The team will open its official season against Grambling State on Nov. 2, 2026.

Season Trajectory

The team's placement in the lower third of the Big 12 poll reflects a massive rebuilding effort following the team's exit from the 2025-26 NCAA Tournament first round. This season will serve as a test to see if the limited returning experience can stabilize the program's competitive standing.

Fans in Ames can look forward to the exhibition game on Oct. 28, 2026, at Hilton Coliseum. This match provides the first opportunity to see the three returning players compete alongside the new lineup before the official Nov. 2 season opener.

The takeaway

Rebuilding years often require patience as new team chemistry develops after significant roster losses. The early exhibition match will be a critical indicator of how the remaining veterans adjust to their expanded roles.