The final polls are in, and the Iowa Hawkeyes have officially capped a remarkable season with a top-15 national ranking. Landing at No. 15 in the final AP Top 25 and No. 19 in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll, Iowa's placement reflects a year of significant growth and thrilling postseason success.

In his first season at the helm, head coach Ben McCollum guided the Hawkeyes to a 20-11 regular-season record and their first NCAA Tournament bid since 2023. Seeded ninth, Iowa embarked on a memorable March run, taking down Clemson, top-seeded Florida, and rival Nebraska to reach the Elite Eight for the first time since 1987. Their magical journey ended with a hard-fought loss to Illinois, just one step from the Final Four, finishing with 24 total wins—the program's highest mark in several seasons.

As the team looks ahead, there will be key departures to address, including Bennett Stirtz and Brendan Hausen. The status of senior Tavion Banks remains a question mark, pending a potential eligibility decision. However, the future in Iowa City remains bright. A promising young core featuring Cooper Koch, Tate Sage, Trey Thompson, and Trevin Jirak is expected to return, bolstered by a strong incoming recruiting class headlined by four-star prospects Ethan Harris and Jaidyn Coon. The foundation built this season suggests the Hawkeyes are poised to remain a force in the Big Ten and on the national stage.