IOWA CITY — Iowa men’s basketball is not far removed from its first Elite Eight appearance since 1987. The Hawkeyes were one step short of the Final Four in Ben McCollum’s first season at the helm.
But attention has already turned to a crucial roster-building phase as Iowa tries to set itself up for success in the 2026-27 season.
Here is a one-stop shop to help keep track of who is arriving and departing the Hawkeyes ahead of McCollum’s second season in Iowa City.
This will be updated as the offseason unfolds.
Out of eligibility
Bennett Stirtz, Brendan Hausen
Stirtz is the biggest void Iowa will have to fill ahead of next season. He was tremendous in his only season with the Hawkeyes, averaging a career-high 19.8 points per game. But Iowa fans can take some comfort in the fact that McCollum has a track record of being able to replace great guards.
From a pure on-court production standpoint, Hausen is far less consequential a loss. But he did provide a notable presence as a teammate.
Transfer portal departure
Alvaro Folgueiras
Folgueiras averaged 8.4 points, 3.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game while shooting 33.3% from deep in his lone season at Iowa.
Despite his up and down regular season, Folgueiras etched himself into Iowa lore during the NCAA Tournament. He drilled a game-winning 3-pointer to knock off 1-seed Florida and send the Hawkeyes to their first Sweet 16 since 1999. Then he scored timely buckets in crunch time during Iowa’s win over rival Nebraska as the Hawkeyes advanced to their first Elite Eight since 1987.
Folgueiras’ regular season at Iowa did not live up to what some hoped. But his clutch plays in the NCAA Tournament helped the Hawkeyes to a thrilling run in McCollum’s first season at the helm.
To be determined
Tavion Banks
Unlike Stirtz and Hausen, Banks’ future is more unclear.
Banks declared for the 2026 NBA Draft while also announcing his intention to enter the transfer portal. But Banks stated, “If a fifth year (of college eligibility) becomes an option, I want to be a Hawkeye!”
Banks just wrapped up his fourth season playing college basketball, but because he spent two seasons at the junior-college level, he could be granted more eligibility.
Banks released the following statement on social media:
“As I explore all options in continuing my basketball career, I am declaring for the NBA Draft, while also entering my name into the transfer portal in the event that a fifth year is granted. If a fifth year becomes an option, I want to be a Hawkeye!
“Competing as a Hawkeye this past season and helping lead this team to the Elite Eight was an amazing experience. This was one of the best years of my life and it was everything I could have imagined. I want to thank my family, coaches, teammates and Hawkeye Nation for making this a memorable year in my basketball journey.”
Banks, Iowa’s leading rebounder and second-leading scorer, was an important piece of the puzzle surrounding Stirtz. But it remains to be seen whether he will be a part of the equation next season.
Can return to Iowa
Cam Manyawu, Kael Combs, Isaia Howard, Cooper Koch, Tate Sage, Trevin Jirak, Trey Thompson, Peyton McCollum, Joey Matteoni, Jacob Koch
While Stirtz is a substantial loss, the Hawkeyes have the potential to bring back the bulk of last season’s roster.
Folgueiras, Manyawu and Combs will all be seniors. Howard will be a junior. Manyawu, Combs and Howard will be entering their third season playing for McCollum.
Iowa also has a promising young nucleus. Tate Sage and Cooper Koch played important parts in Iowa’s Elite Eight run. Trevin Jirak appeared in a smaller role but still has potential. There is excitement about Trey Thompson, a former four-star recruit who redshirted last season.
Transfer-portal commitments can be shiny and fun. But retaining those foundational pieces is key this offseason, too.
Transfer portal addition
Ty’Reek Coleman
The 6-foot-2 guard averaged 10 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.8 assists in about 23 minutes per game as a true freshman at Illinois State. Coleman’s shooting efficiency was impressive, considering it’s not abnormal for younger guards to struggle in those areas. He finished the season shooting 50.4% from the field and 41.6% from deep.
Coleman will come to the Hawkeyes with three seasons of eligibility remaining.
2026 high school recruiting class
Ethan Harris, Jaidyn Coon
The Hawkeyes are set to bring in a pair of 4-star prospects, according to the 247Sports Composite. Harris picked Iowa over Washington, Gonzaga and Boise State. Coon, who was originally signed with Creighton, recently reopened his recruitment and committed to Iowa. Coon and Harris will add to Iowa’s young core.
Follow Tyler Tachman on X @Tyler_T15, contact via email at ttachman@gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Tracking Iowa men’s basketball adds, departures in transfer portal
Reporting by Tyler Tachman, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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