Iowa's new coach Ben McCollum debuts November 4 against Robert Morris, featuring former RMU star Alvaro Folgueiras.

The Iowa Hawkeyes open the 2025-26 season on November 4 against Robert Morris, marking the debut of new head coach Ben McCollum, who previously led Drake to a 31-4 record. Iowa, rebuilding after two NCAA Tournament misses under Fran McCaffery, welcomes key transfers including Alvaro Folgueiras, a 6-10 forward who averaged 14.1 points and 9.1 rebounds for Robert Morris and helped lead them to a program-record 26 wins and an NCAA Tournament berth. Folgueiras now faces his former team, which is relying on transfers like Ta’Zir Smith and DeSean Goode to maintain momentum. Iowa holds a strong historical edge, having won its last eight games against Horizon League opponents since 1980 and remaining undefeated against Big Ten teams since 1982.