Iowa Hawkeyes Basketball Bracketology: Current Projections and Path to March Madness

The Iowa Hawkeyes men’s basketball team is currently projected as a No. 7 seed in the NCAA Tournament. This early bracketology comes from ESPN analyst Joe Lunardi. The Hawkeyes, led by first-year coach Ben McCollum, aim for their first March Madness bid since 2023.

The team holds a 9-2 record as of mid-December. Their path through the challenging Big Ten conference will ultimately decide their final seeding.

Potential Tournament Matchup Poses Early Challenge

The latest bracket projection places Iowa in the East Region. Their first-round opponent would be the No. 10 seed Saint Louis Billikens. According to ESPN’s Bracketology, this game would be played in Philadelphia.

Saint Louis presents a formidable challenge with a 10-1 record. Their offense is potent, having scored over 100 points in four games this season. Iowa cannot overlook this potential matchup.

A win would likely pit Iowa against the region’s No. 2 seed. In this projection, that is the reigning champion, UConn Huskies. This tough draw highlights the importance of improving their seed before Selection Sunday.

Navigating the Big Ten Gauntlet

Iowa’s remaining schedule is difficult. They face at least six ranked opponents within the rugged Big Ten conference. Their conference play resumes on January 3rd.

Analytics provide a hopeful outlook. According to Torvik projections, if Iowa wins all games they are favored in, they could finish 27-6. That record would likely secure a much higher seed, potentially a No. 4.

The key for Coach McCollum is securing signature wins. Beating ranked teams is crucial to move off the No. 7 line. Their performance in close games will determine their tournament fate.

The Iowa Hawkeyes’ tournament hopes are alive, but their work is just beginning. Their final seeding hinges on navigating a brutal Big Ten schedule and converting opportunities against ranked foes.

Thought you’d like to know

What seed is Iowa projected to be?

ESPN’s latest Bracketology projects the Iowa Hawkeyes as a No. 7 seed in the NCAA Tournament. This is an early projection that will change based on their conference results.

Who would Iowa play in the first round?

According to the current bracket, Iowa’s first-round opponent would be the No. 10 seed Saint Louis Billikens. Saint Louis boasts a strong 10-1 record and a high-scoring offense.

What is Iowa’s biggest hurdle to a better seed?

Their biggest hurdle is the Big Ten conference schedule. Iowa has six more games against currently ranked opponents. Winning several of those games is essential to improve their seed.

Can Iowa get a top-four seed?

Analytically, it is possible. Torvik projections show that winning all favored games could lead to a 27-6 record. That would likely result in a No. 4 or No. 5 seed.

When was Iowa’s last tournament appearance?

The Hawkeyes last played in the NCAA Tournament in 2023. First-year head coach Ben McCollum is tasked with ending that brief drought this season.