Iowa Hawkeyes Add Coach McCollum's Son, Multiple Former Drake Players for 2025-26

The Iowa Hawkeyes men's basketball team is undergoing a significant transformation under new head coach Ben McCollum, who has added his oldest son, Peyton McCollum, to the 2025-26 roster. Peyton, a 6-foot-2 guard from Waukee Northwest, was a key player leading his high school team to the Iowa Class 4A state championship game, averaging 13.1 points, 5.2 assists, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game, and earning First Team All-State honors. Ben McCollum has also been active in the transfer portal, recruiting several former Drake players, including standout Bennett Stirtz, the Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year, and forward Joey Matteoni, who is expected to add depth to the team's post. These moves reflect McCollum's strategy to rebuild a program that saw a mass player exodus after the firing of former coach Fran McCaffery. The 2025-26 season will mark the first for both Ben and Peyton McCollum with the Hawkeyes, who aim to improve on last year's 17-16 record. McCollum's success at Drake, including a 31-4 record and NCAA tournament win, provides optimism for Iowa's future.