While the college basketball offseason is a whirlwind of transfer portal activity and roster speculation, one thing is already generating buzz for Iowa fans: the Hawkeyes are earning early respect. CBS Sports has released its "way-too-early" top 25 rankings for the 2026-27 season, and Iowa finds itself in a promising position, checking in at No. 21.

This optimistic projection is built on a foundation of significant returning talent. The Hawkeyes are poised to bring back six of their top eight scorers from a squad that made a thrilling run to the Elite Eight last season, finishing 24-13. Key players like Alvaro Folgueiras, Cooper Koch, and Cam Manyawu provide a veteran core for head coach Ben McCollum's second year at the helm.

That experienced group will be bolstered by an incoming recruiting class featuring four-star prospect Ethan Harris, adding more firepower to an already potent lineup. Of course, the offseason puzzle isn't complete; McCollum is expected to be active in the transfer portal to address frontcourt depth and backcourt needs following Bennett Stirtz's departure.

All eyes will also be on the decision of Alvaro Folgueiras, a program legend weighing his options. Regardless, the combination of a strong returning core and promising new additions has positioned Iowa basketball as a team to watch, signaling that the momentum from last season's deep tournament run could very well carry forward.