The Iowa State Cyclones women’s basketball team is gearing up for the 2025–26 season with a wave of optimism and momentum. Following an impressive performance last season, where they secured 23 wins and a spot in the NCAA Tournament, expectations are higher than ever. The Cyclones boast a combination of returning talent that is among the best in the nation and exciting new additions that promise to elevate their game even further.
According to the preseason poll by the USA TODAY Sports Network, Iowa State comes in ranked No. 17, while they previously held the No. 14 spot in the Associated Press rankings. Such rankings are a testament to the hard work and dedication shown by the players and coaching staff. With significant talent returning to the court, the Cyclones appear poised for an impactful season.
Returning Talent That Matters
Key to Iowa State’s high expectations is their core group of returning players. This squad is primarily made up of talents who contributed to the team’s success last season. Leading the charge are two phenomenal players:
- Audi Crooks — Standing tall at 6-foot-3, this center from Algona took the Big 12 Conference by storm last season, averaging an impressive 23.4 points per game. Her ability to score consistently earned her the title of preseason Player of the Year within the conference, making her a formidable presence in the paint.
- Addy Brown — A versatile 6-foot-2 forward, Brown demonstrated her multi-faceted skill set last season with averages of 15.2 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game. Her well-rounded game makes her an invaluable asset to the team.
The contributions of Crooks and Brown as freshmen during the 2023–24 campaign were pivotal, as they guided the Cyclones to the Big 12 Tournament title game and into the round of 32 in the NCAA Tournament. With five of their top six scorers returning, the Cyclones are not just experienced; they are deep and ready for the challenges ahead.
Offseason Additions and Conference Outlook
This offseason also saw the arrival of a significant new player: Jada Williams, a standout point guard previously with the Arizona Wildcats. His addition via the transfer portal adds another layer of talent to an already stacked roster. Williams, known for her playmaking abilities, is expected to bring both leadership and scoring to the Cyclones, enhancing the lineup’s overall dynamics.
Within the context of the Big 12 Conference, the Cyclones are projected to finish second, indicating a strong belief from analysts in their potential to contend at a high level. This positioning reflects the depth and skill the team possesses, suggesting they are ready to challenge for both conference and national titles.
Schedule Highlights
The excitement for the upcoming season begins with the Cyclones’ schedule, which is packed with intriguing matchups:
- The team will kick off their season with an exhibition game against the Wisconsin–Oshkosh Titans on October 28, allowing fans a first glimpse at the roster’s chemistry.
- The regular season officially starts on November 3, as they take on the St. Thomas Tommies, setting the stage for what promises to be an electrifying year.
Preseason Coaches’ Poll Snapshot
As the teams gear up for competition, here are the top rankings from the USA TODAY Sports Network preseason women’s basketball poll:
- UConn Huskies women’s basketball
- South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball
- Texas Longhorns women’s basketball
- UCLA Bruins women’s basketball
- LSU Tigers women’s basketball
- Duke Blue Devils women’s basketball
- Oklahoma Sooners women’s basketball
- NC State Wolfpack women’s basketball
- Tennessee Lady Volunteers basketball
- Maryland Terrapins women’s basketball
- Iowa State
The Cyclones find themselves ranked among elite company, alongside teams with storied histories and recent successes in women’s college basketball. This positioning underlines the potential for a breakout season in 2025–26, with a strong roster bolstered by elite talents, promising depth, and high expectations from fans and analysts alike.