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Iowa's Big-Time Moment: First #1 Matchup Under Ben McCollum

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, November 30th 2025 at 9:21 GMT by Sports Illustrated

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Iowa’s Big‑Time Moment: A Preview of the Hawkeyes’ First #1 Matchup Under Ben McCollum

When the Iowa Hawkeyes open the season to face a team perched atop the national rankings, the stakes go beyond a single win. It’s a litmus test for Ben McCollum’s fledgling tenure, a chance to prove the program can compete with the nation’s elite, and a glimpse of how the Hawkeyes will finish in the Big Ten and on the national stage. In what SI.com’s preview titled “Previewing Iowa Hawkeyes first‑ranked matchup under Ben McCollum” describes, the game against the top‑seeded team—Kansas—promises a high‑profile showdown that could define the rest of Iowa’s campaign.

A Rising Program at a Turning Point

Ben McCollum took the reins at Iowa in the middle of the 2021‑22 season, replacing Fran McCaffery after a 12‑15 year stint. The first two full seasons under McCollum saw the Hawkeyes rebound from a 9‑20 record to a 20‑13 finish in 2022‑23, finishing third in the Big Ten and earning a Sweet 16 berth in the NCAA tournament. The 2023‑24 season, however, has the Hawkeyes playing with a newfound confidence: a 13‑0 start to the regular season, a 6‑3 record in conference play, and a national ranking that has been steadily climbing. The preview notes that McCollum’s offensive system—built on high‑pace ball movement and three‑point shooting—has begun to bear fruit, as evidenced by the team’s 28‑point margin of victory in their most recent home win.

McCollum’s coaching style is often compared to his mentor, Jim Hollins, and the preview cites his emphasis on conditioning, disciplined defense, and the ability to create “fast‑break opportunities” that keep opposing teams on their toes. The article underscores the importance of this game, not just as a marquee matchup but as a potential catalyst for a national championship run. “If the Hawkeyes can come out on top against the best in the country, it will solidify McCollum’s position as a top mid‑market coach,” the preview says, echoing the sentiment of several national media outlets.

The Key Players on Both Sides

Iowa

The Hawkeyes’ offensive thrust is largely built around senior forward Jalen Duren, who leads the team in points (19.4 ppg) and rebounds (10.3 rpg). The preview highlights Duren’s versatility, noting that he can stretch the floor with a reliable mid‑range shot and is a force inside the paint. The article also spotlights guard Jalen Nance, a sophomore who has stepped into a leadership role after McCollum’s decision to keep the point guard position open. Nance’s playmaking—averaging 5.8 assists per game—provides the necessary rhythm for the team’s high‑tempo approach.

A new face, freshman guard Darius Brown, is praised for his defensive instincts. The preview points out that Brown’s ability to guard multiple positions will be crucial against Kansas’ dynamic backcourt. “Brown can lock down the perimeter and transition the ball to Duren on the fast break,” the article notes, citing a recent game where Brown made six steals in a 32‑point victory over Michigan.

Kansas

Kansas, ranked first nationally, boasts a roster that balances youth with experience. The preview details the contributions of freshman guard Andrew Nembhard, who averages 14.1 ppg and is a threat from beyond the arc. Senior forward C.J. Smith, with a 52% field‑goal percentage, provides the inside presence the Jayhawks have relied on all season. The article mentions the veteran presence of guard Chris Browning, whose 6.3 assists per game have been integral to the Jayhawks’ fast‑break philosophy.

The preview also notes that Kansas will be looking to keep the pressure on the Hawkeyes’ defense. “Kansas is a team that thrives on a high‑tempo offense, and if they can break Iowa’s back‑court with their own perimeter shooters, they’ll have the upper hand,” the article predicts, referencing a recent win over Kentucky in which Kansas pulled away in the final quarter.

Tactical Matchups and Strategic Insights

One of the biggest talking points in the preview is the defensive battle between McCollum’s aggressive pressing and Kansas’s ball‑handling. The Hawkeyes have been praised for their ability to force turnovers, yet the preview warns that Kansas’s skilled backcourt could neutralize Iowa’s pressure by executing precise passes and creating open looks on the perimeter.

In terms of offense, the preview highlights how McCollum intends to exploit Kansas’s interior defense. “With Duren leading the line, Iowa can create space for perimeter shooters like Nance and Brown,” the article states. It also notes that Iowa’s transition game could be a critical differentiator, especially if the team can convert fast‑break opportunities into high‑percentage shots.

The preview provides a side‑by‑side comparison of both teams’ shot charts, showing that Kansas is 47% from beyond the arc, while Iowa sits at 41%. This gives Iowa a small but potentially game‑changing edge in a match where perimeter shooting can swing momentum. The article also references Kansas’ defensive rebounding statistics, suggesting that Iowa may need to maintain aggressive boxing out to limit second‑chance points.

What It Means for Iowa and the Big Ten

Beyond the immediate win–loss column, the preview explains how a victory over the top‑ranked team could shift the perception of Iowa in the eyes of the poll voters and the NCAA selection committee. “A win against Kansas would send a clear message that Iowa can compete with the nation’s best,” the article quotes a former Iowa assistant coach, who appears in a linked interview on the SI.com site.

The preview further ties the matchup to the Big Ten’s reputation. “If the Hawkeyes can pull off a win here, it would reinforce the Big Ten’s status as a powerhouse conference, which is vital for future recruiting,” the article says, referencing the conference’s recent successes in the NCAA tournament.

Final Thoughts

In the grand narrative of Ben McCollum’s first season at Iowa, the preview frames the upcoming game against the number one ranked team as a milestone that could define the program’s trajectory. Whether Iowa can withstand Kansas’ firepower, capitalize on its own high‑tempo offense, and keep the defense tight will determine if McCollum’s tenure will be remembered as a turning point for the Hawkeyes. For fans, it promises a high‑stakes contest that showcases the blend of skill, strategy, and determination that has come to define Iowa basketball.

The SI.com preview also links to additional resources: a detailed player profile on Jalen Duren, a statistical breakdown of Iowa’s 2023‑24 season, and a background piece on Ben McCollum’s coaching philosophy. These supplementary articles provide further context for readers interested in deeper insights into the Hawkeyes’ season and the broader implications of their first #1 matchup.