9. T. J. Otzelberger (Iowa State)
When Otzelberger was hired in 2021, Iowa State was coming off a 2-win season under Steve Prohm. Each of his first three seasons leading the Cyclones were excellent steps forward, with three trips to the Big Dance and a pair of runs to the Sweet Sixteen. However, Otzelberger is doing the best coaching job of his career this season and could have a really special season on his hands.
Five different Iowa State players average double-digit points per game, with a strong rotation of unselfish talent getting the job done on both sides of the ball. Iowa State looks like one of the heavy favorites in the Big 12, with their only losses this season coming in a close game against Auburn and at West Virginia last weekend. They’ve outdone teams on the glass, they’ve used pesky defense, and they’ve asserted themselves as a Top 5 team in the nation.
After those Sweet Sixteen’s, the expectations might be heightened in Ames, but that’s no reason not to include or laud what Otzelberger has done. We’re not still honoring him for saving a program that was ruined four years ago, but he’s put together a roster that can legitimately win the national title and hang with anybody in the nation. Could anyone at Iowa State imagine being in this position just a few years ago?