Media Members Picked Iowa Tenth in Big Ten Poll
The Iowa basketball team received a tenth-place ranking in the conference preseason media poll.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Basketball
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Media members selected Iowa tenth in the Big Ten Conference preseason poll announced on Monday. The rankings placed the team in the bottom half of the league standings as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Why it matters
The preseason media poll offers an early outlook on the competitive landscape of the Big Ten. It serves as a benchmark for how the team is perceived relative to conference rivals following roster changes.
Illinois led the poll with 18 first-place votes, followed by Michigan State with 9 and Michigan with 1. Iowa enters the year looking to integrate new transfers including 7-foot-3 center Andrew McKeever.
The players
Jeremy Fears Jr.
He was selected as the preseason Big Ten Player of the Year.
Bennett Stirtz
He was selected in the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft by the Oklahoma City Thunder with the 16th overall pick.
Cooper Koch
He averaged 7.8 points per game during the previous season.
The details
Iowa aims to improve its standing through the addition of transfers Ty'Reek Coleman and Andrew McKeever. Players like Tate Sage and Kael Combs are expected to increase their offensive production to help the team climb the conference ranks.
Timeline
1987: Iowa last reached the Elite 8 before the 2026 season.
2025-26: Michigan won the NCAA Championship.
October 5, 2026: The Big Ten preseason poll results were announced.
November 3, 2026: Iowa tips off the 2026-27 season against Lipscomb.
Season Trajectory
The conference hierarchy remains in flux following the 2025-26 NCAA Championship won by Michigan. Iowa's preseason standing indicates a rebuilding phase as the team attempts to close the gap on established league leaders.
Iowa will rely on internal development and transfer additions to overcome a tenth-place projection. Success will depend on whether players like Tate Sage and Kael Combs can improve upon their previous efficiency metrics.
The takeaway
The preseason poll highlights the significant challenge Iowa faces within the Big Ten this year. Fans should monitor the production of new transfers and returning players as the team opens its schedule in November.
What happens next
Iowa will officially begin its 2026-27 season against Lipscomb on November 3, 2026.
Further reading
For more on the upcoming season, explore the Basketball section.
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