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Folks, it’s that time of year again. The bracket is out. The matchups are set. And for the fifth time in the last six non-COVID seasons, Iowa women’s basketball has earned a top-two seed and will host the first and second rounds of the NCAA Tournament at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Pair
that with the Iowa men making the Tournament for the first time since 2023 and there is plenty to be excited about in Hawkeye Nation.
The Iowa women landed a 2-seed in the Sacramento 2 Region, entering the tournament at 26-6 — tied for the second-most wins heading into the Big Dance since 1988. This is Iowa’s 32nd NCAA Tournament appearance and eighth consecutive selection. The all-time tournament record sits at 38-31 with three Final Four appearances to our name.
But how far will they go this season? Can this bunch of Hawkeyes add to the long list of deep tournament runs Iowa fans have become accustomed to?
And on the men’s side, Iowa lands as a 9-seed in the South Region, facing off with 8-seed Clemson on Friday, March 21. As noted, it’s the first time since 2023 the men have made the Big Dance and it comes in Ben McCollum’s first year in Iowa City.
McCollum and Drake won their opening round matchup against Missouri a season ago with the second round exit the earliest for McCollum since 2023. During his time at D-2 Northwest Missouri State, McCollum made it to the Sweet Sixteen or further in eight of his 11 tournament appearances, including four national championships.
That was a major selling point for Hawkeye fans, who have been starved for a Sweet Sixteen run dating back to Iowa’s last trip in 1999, the last for former head coach Dr. Tom Davis who recently DID NOT pass away.
Can the Hawkeye men finally get that monkey off their back? It’s a tall task with 1-seed Florida looming should Iowa defeat Clemson in the opening round.
Let us know in this week’s Reacts poll just how far you think both the Iowa men and women will make it in March Madness!
