Ranking of top 4 confirmed opponents on Iowa State's 2025-26 non-conference schedule

In the past few years, Iowa State hasn’t typically played a ton of great non-con opponents. The metrics look good by beating mid-majors, and the overall record allows them to get a high seed still, but the Cyclones’ lack of non-con marquee foes prevents them from being in the 1-2 seed line come Selection Sunday.

The good news for Iowa State is that they’ll be participating in the Players Era Tournament, which should feature three quality opponents, no matter what. But who else will the Cyclones be playing in the non-con among the confirmed group? Here’s a list of the top four teams to watch.

4. Long Beach State Beach

It was a rare past rough season for the Beach, going 3-17 in league play. But look for them to bounce back next year, landing key transfers such as Grant Gondrezick II, Isaiah Lewis, and Shaq Bender. Look for Long Beach to be the biggest threat among the mid-major programs on the schedule. 

3. Mississippi State Bulldogs

The Bulldogs bring back Josh Hubbard, one of the best guards in the nation, who led the team with 18.9 ppg last season. Georgetown transfer Jayden Epps is joining him in the backcourt, while Wichita State transfer Quincy Ballard is set to be their starting center. If Achor Achor can give them a scoring boost on the wings, they’ll be a contender in the SEC once again.

2. Iowa Hawkeyes

Rivalry matchups with Iowa are always tough, regardless of who is on the Hawkeyes' roster. Yet the Coach Ben McCollum era could be very dangerous in Year 1, landing a couple of former Conference Player of the Year stars in Alvaro Folguerias and Bennett Stirtz. If things click with this new cast, they’ll be one of the best offenses in college basketball. 

1. Purdue Boilermakers

There’s no debate as to who the No. 1 team on the schedule is, as Purdue brings back Big Ten Player of the Year star guard Braden Smith, along with 20 ppg scoring forward, Trey Kaufman-Renn. The addition of South Dakota State transfer center Oscar Cluff makes the frontcourt even more formidable, so they should be some preseason No. 1 votes months from now.