9. Iowa Hawkeyes
It’s a complete rebuild -- literally and stylistically -- with Ben McCollum’s pick-and-roll style offense taking over the reins in Iowa City. Bennet Stritz, among the top mid-majors in NCAA Basketball last season at Drake, is poised for a big-time season after averaging 19.2 PPG and 5.7 APG last season at Drake.
But other players fit the system, which is why I’m incredibly high on the Hawkeyes this season. Keep in mind, Ben McCollum has been a head coach for 16 seasons. He has yet to lose 100 games. The Hawkeyes are a team to keep tabs on in the Big Ten in 2025-26.