“2025–26 Iowa Basketball Preview: The Ben McCollum Era and Every Player You Need to Know”

Iowa didn’t just hire a head coach this spring—they imported a winning operating system.
On March 24, 2025, Ben McCollum became Iowa’s 23rd head coach, bringing a résumé with more banners than most coaches see in a lifetime—426–95 (.818) career record, four NCAA D-II national championships, and a 31–4 season at Drake that delivered both Missouri Valley titles and an NCAA Round of 32 run.

Preview 2025-26 Season

McCollum didn’t arrive alone. Six Drake players—Bennett Stirtz, Cam Manyawu, Tavion Banks, Kael Combs, Isaia Howard, Joey Matteoni—followed their coach to Iowa City. Add Alvaro Folgueiras (Robert Morris), Brendan Hausen (Kansas State), returner Cooper Koch, and high-upside freshmen like Trevin Jirak, and you’ve got a Hawkeye roster that’s built to win now, not two years from now.

Coach’s own words set the tone:

“Tough kids win. Connected groups win… kids that work with a level of humility win.” — McCollum, introductory presser

2025–26 Iowa Hawkeyes — Full Roster Scouting Report

Primary Contributors

⭐ Bennett Stirtz (G, Sr, Drake → Iowa)

2024–25: 19.2 PPG | 5.7 APG | 4.3 RPG | 49.8% FG | 39.5% 3PT
Strengths: Tempo control, late-clock poise, decision-maker’s vision
Weaknesses: Size will be tested by Big Ten length
Symbols: ⭐ | ➕ | 🎯

🛡 Cam Manyawu (F, Jr, Drake → Iowa)

2024–25: 7.1 PPG | 5.3 RPG | 57.8% FG | 24 BLK | 45 STL
Strengths: Rim protection, vertical spacing, runs floor with purpose
Weaknesses: Needs to add strength for physical Big Ten posts
Symbols: 🛡 | ➕

🎯 Brendan Hausen (G, Sr, Kansas State → Iowa)

2024–25: 38.8% 3PT
Strengths: Catch-and-shoot specialist, relocates well without the ball
Weaknesses: Must diversify scoring package against top-tier defenders
Symbols: 🎯 | ➕

🔄 Alvaro Folgueiras (F, Jr, Robert Morris → Iowa)

2024–25: 14.1 PPG | 9.1 RPG | 3.2 APG | 35% 3PT
Strengths: Stretch 4/5 with passing touch; matchup versatility
Weaknesses: Defensive foot speed vs. small-ball lineups
Symbols: 🔄 | 🎯 | ➕

➕ Cooper Koch (F, RS Fr, Iowa)

Strengths: Face-up scoring, midrange touch, high system IQ
Weaknesses: Physicality vs. veteran Big Ten forwards
Symbols: ➕ | 🏀

Bench & Role Injectors

🚀 Tavion Banks (G/F, Sr, Drake → Iowa)

2024–25: 10.1 PPG | 5.0 RPG | MVC Sixth Man of the Year
Strengths: Motor plays, offensive rebounding, pace injection
Weaknesses: Consistency guarding quicker wings
Symbols: 🚀 | 🛡

⚡ Kael Combs (G, Jr, Drake → Iowa)

2024–25: 3.8 PPG; 13 pts in NCAA 1st Rd vs. Texas Tech
Strengths: Explosive first step, attacks downhill
Weaknesses: Needs to tighten handle vs. pressure D
Symbols: ⚡ | 🚀

🛡 Isaia Howard (G, So, Drake → Iowa)

2024–25: 4.5 PPG | 2.5 RPG | 1.1 SPG
Strengths: Length on defense, active slasher
Weaknesses: Perimeter shot consistency
Symbols: 🛡 | 🆕

🆕 Joey Matteoni (F, RS Fr, Drake → Iowa)

Strengths: Screen/roll big with solid fundamentals
Weaknesses: Needs to add muscle mass for paint battles
Symbols: 🆕 | ➕

🆕 Trevin Jirak (F, Fr, Iowa Mr. Basketball)

HS: 16.2 PPG | 9.4 RPG | 38.6% 3PT
Strengths: Size + shooting combo
Weaknesses: Adapting to college closeout speed
Symbols: 🆕 | 🎯

Developmental / Depth

Jacob Koch (G, So, Iowa)

Strengths: Local knowledge, effort defense
Weaknesses: Role clarity in loaded backcourt
Symbols: ➕ | 🆕

Peyton McCollum (G, Fr)

Strengths: Coach’s system knowledge from day one
Weaknesses: Needs experience vs. elite pace
Symbols: 🆕 | ➕

Trey Thompson (F, Fr)

Strengths: Length + bounce; defensive potential
Weaknesses: Offensive polish vs. physical matchups
Symbols: 🆕 | 🛡

Closing Statement – Unit 1 Hoop Source

If you’ve been tracking the college game closely, what’s about to unfold in Iowa City won’t surprise you. Ben McCollum didn’t just walk into the Big Ten with a whistle and a plan—he brought a core of players who already know how to win in his system, a culture that has produced banners, and a style of play built to travel anywhere in March. This roster has continuity in an era of chaos, shot-makers in an era of analytics, and a defensive commitment that will frustrate teams used to controlling the tempo against Iowa. To the casual fan, a strong season from this group might look like a breakout. But to those paying attention, it’s simply the next chapter in McCollum’s proven blueprint. This is a team that can climb the Big Ten standings, crash the NCAA Tournament picture, and cause matchup problems for anyone in their path—and for Iowa basketball, that’s exactly the expectation.

Unit 1 Hoop Source – Editorial Disclaimer

All scouting reports and evaluations published by Unit 1 Hoop Source are based on game film review, verified statistics, and credible sourcing. Player measurements, stats, and team information are fact-checked at the time of publishing; however, changes to rosters, player performance, or other circumstances may occur over the course of a season. These evaluations are intended for informational use by basketball professionals, media, and fans, and are not influenced by player agents, sponsors, or third parties.

Copyright Notice

© 2025 Kim Muhammad | Unit 1 Hoop Source. All Rights Reserved.
This article and all written content on this platform are protected under U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17, United States Code).
No part of this material may be copied, reproduced, republished, distributed, or used in any form without prior written consent from the author. Violators will be subject to civil and criminal penalties.

For permissions or licensing inquiries, contact: u1hoop@gmail.com