Big news for Hawkeye fans—Iowa basketball is loading up its nonconference schedule with a marquee matchup that could make a major difference on Selection Sunday. With the NCAA Tournament expanding to 76 teams for the 2026-27 season, every win counts more than ever. Iowa is getting ahead of the curve by locking in a premier showdown against the Creighton Bluejays.

Set for Sunday, November 15, 2026, the game will take place at the Casey's Center in Des Moines—a neutral-site venue that's no stranger to this rivalry. The two programs last met at the same arena back in 2011, when Creighton came away with an 82-59 victory. This time around, the stakes are even higher.

This will be the 17th meeting between Iowa and Creighton on the hardwood. The Bluejays currently hold a 9-7 edge in the all-time series, but the Hawkeyes are hungry to even the score. More importantly, this game offers a prime opportunity for a Quad 1 or Quad 2 win come March—exactly the kind of resume booster that can separate a tournament team from the bubble.

Both programs enter the 2026-27 season at very different crossroads. Iowa is riding high after a magical Elite Eight run in head coach Ben McCollum's first season. The Hawkeyes proved they can compete with the nation's best, and this matchup is a chance to build on that momentum.

Creighton, meanwhile, is looking for a major bounce-back. Under head coach Doug McDermott, the Bluejays finished 16-18 overall and 9-11 in Big East play last season, missing the NCAA Tournament for the first time in years. A win over a rising Iowa squad would be a huge statement as they look to return to form.

For fans of both teams, this is must-watch basketball. And for anyone who loves the game, it's the kind of early-season showdown that sets the tone for the entire college basketball season. Mark your calendars—November 15 can't come soon enough.