Iowa State basketball, fresh off a solid 2024-25 campaign that saw them ranked as a No. 2 seed in March Madness and finish in the top eight nationally, is eyeing even greater heights in 2026-27. ESPN’s Joe Lunardi projects them as a five-seed — a solid spot, but one that falls short of the program’s growing ambitions. With key losses, the Cyclones are leaning on returning stars like Killyan Toure and Blake Buchanan, plus breakout performer Jamarion Batemon, who could earn a starting role. New recruits and chemistry could propel them into a higher seed come tournament time — if they gel fast.

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Tre Singleton’s arrival at Iowa State has fans buzzing—comparing him to recently graduated star Joshua Jefferson, who’s now in the NBA. Both are 6’8”, versatile, and built for T.J. Otzelberger’s defense, but Singleton’s focus is on becoming his own player. He’s already showing Jefferson-like instincts—pushing the break, rebounding, and dishing—but is also laser-focused on improving his three-point shot. With Jefferson’s growth arc as a blueprint, Singleton’s got the tools and coaching support to thrive. The staff believes his work ethic, playmaking, and defensive IQ will elevate him—and that his biggest leap is still ahead.

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After 22 years at the helm, Iowa State’s longest-serving Power Four athletic director, Jamie Pollard, is stepping down in June 2027 — a move that, while anticipated, signals a major shift for the program. His legacy is defined by bold coaching hires, including Matt Campbell (football) and T.J. Otzelberger (basketball), both now seen as transformative figures. He also stood firm on controversial policies like banning alcohol in the stadium, defending it as a safety measure — a stance many disagreed with, but one that reflected his deep commitment to fan and player safety. Pollard’s passion and consistency made him a cornerstone of Iowa State athletics, and while his departure leaves a void, he’ll still have a say in selecting his successor. Now, new president David Cook faces the daunting task of not only replacing Pollard but also turning the athletic department’s finances around — a challenge that demands someone who can match Pollard’s vision, leadership, and results.

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After 21 years at the helm, Iowa State’s longtime athletics director Jamie Pollard is stepping down—leaving behind a transformed program amid a wildly changed college sports landscape. He arrived in 2005 to a struggling department and departed with record-breaking fundraising, national-title-caliber football and basketball under his hires, and a revitalized wrestling program. As the AD role now demands CEO-level skills—navigating NIL deals, transfer portal chaos, and conference wars—Pollard’s legacy sets the stage for a new era. With President David Cook at the helm, the search for his successor will be critical: who can carry forward Pollard’s success while mastering the high-stakes, high-pressure world of modern college athletics?

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Iowa State’s Jamie Pollard is retiring next year but isn’t slowing down—his final act includes big moves like launching the next phase of CyTown, greenlighting beer sales at stadiums, keeping championship-hopeful coach T.J. Otzelberger happy, and managing a revamped football roster—all while overseeing the athletic department’s finances and future.

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Iowa State’s Big 12 Media Days kicked off with head coach Jimmy Rogers and five key players igniting the hype for the 2026 season. Rogers turned last-place USA Today poll rankings into fuel, outlining his five-in-five strategy and balancing speed vs. size on defense. Quarterback Jaylen Raynor gears up for Jack Trice Stadium battles, while defensive end Isaac Terrell reveals his “Bobby” nickname and why he chose Rogers. Kicker Kyle Konrardy shares his offseason grind and clutch-game mindset. With coach fired up and players locked in, Iowa State is poised to silence doubters and make waves in the Big 12.

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The Big 12 just dropped a major move: a $20M annual deal with Monster Energy to rebrand football and basketball as “Monster Energy Big 12” — complete with co-branded uniforms, courts, and social media blitzes. This is the first time a college sports conference has gone this deep with an energy drink giant, signaling a bold new era for branding and revenue. Commissioner Brett Yormack sees it as a strategic leap to connect with global audiences and elevate the conference’s profile — especially as schools like Iowa State navigate coaching changes and roster turnover. Monster Energy’s already been a title partner, but this deal turns the relationship into full integration. It’s a flashy, high-stakes experiment that could reshape how conferences partner with brands — and whether others follow suit.

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The Iowa State Cyclones are undergoing a major rebuild, with three top scorers from last season gone and key player Nate Heise using up his eligibility. Head coach T.J. Otzelberger is reshaping his staff, replacing departed assistants JR Blount and Kyle Green with Tim Buckley and Allan Hanson. They’re also bringing in veteran Chuck Ruffing, who brings recruiting expertise and college coaching experience. Graduate assistants Richardson Maitre and Fletcher McGarvey are stepping up — Maitre with international pro experience, McGarvey transitioning from team manager to on-court role. And the program is welcoming back alumni Diante Garrett as Director of Player Development and Thomas Pollard as Director of Recruiting — a mix of fresh energy and familiar faces ready to lead the next chapter.

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