Iowa head coach Ben McCollum is starting to become everyone's favorite coach, and we aren't just talking about everyone in Iowa City.
In just one season, McCollum has changed the Iowa program from a bottom-dweller in the Big Ten to a contender not only for a top spot in the conference but an NCAA Tournament bid as well.
Iowa took care of business against Northwestern on Super Bowl Sunday, pushing its win streak to an impressive six games.
Not only did Iowa win a close 76-70 game, but the squad has already surpassed its win total from last season with win No. 18.
McCollum is winning the respect of everyone in Iowa City, and after another close victory, he is also earning the respect of rival coaches.
Chris Collins had nothing but praise for what Ben McCollum is doing
Iowa may have handed Northwestern its 14th loss this season, all but ending their chances of an NCAA Tournament appearance, but that did not stop head coach Chris Collins from heaping praise on McCollum.
Chris Collins on his impression of Ben McCollum after coaching against him for the first time:
— Eliot Clough (@EliotClough) February 8, 2026
“He’s going to have a lot of success, he’s going to win a lot of games [at Iowa]. He’s a terrific coach, and I have a ton of respect for him.” pic.twitter.com/77TPjDBufR
During the postgame after Iowa's victory, Collins said that McCollum is "going to have a lot of success," and he will win a lot of games at Iowa.
He followed that by saying that McCollum is a terrific coach and he has a ton of respect for him.
McCollum's success should not be a surprise to anyone who knows anything about his career, especially after what he was able to do in only one season with Drake last year.
He guided the Bulldogs to 31 wins and their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 1976.
Before his lone season at Drake, McCollum amassed a career 395-91 record at Northwest Missouri State with four Division II National Championships.
McCollum wins wherever he goes, and it would not be a shock to anyone if he had Iowa in contention for Big Ten and national titles sooner rather than later.