The 2025-2026 season for the Hawkeyes had a lot of highs, but also a few lows.
One of the biggest lows of the season was the 51-point blowout loss to UCLA in the Big Ten Championship, followed by a disappointing early exit in the NCAA Tournament.
As Iowa fully enters the offseason, the program is losing seniors Hannah Stuelke, Kylie Feuerbach, Jada Gyamfi, and Taylor McCabe, and potentially someone who just joined the program last season.
Emely Rodriguez is potentially re-entering the transfer portal
Iowa's bench was stretched thin this season after Taylor McCabe suffered a season-ending ACL/meniscus injury, forcing Taylor Stremlow into the starting lineup.
That led to three freshmen, including Addie Deal, Journey Houston, and Layla Hays, being thrust into more playing time, with Hays' role completely evaporating by the end of the season.
After an abrupt end to the season, Iowa's depth might suffer another hit as transfer Emely Rodriguez is reportedly considering re-entering the transfer portal.
Sources this evening tell me Emely Rodriguez is currently weighing her options on whether to return to Iowa or enter the transfer portal. pic.twitter.com/8i20skAoHf
— E J 🏀 (@EJayArrow) March 24, 2026
According to women's basketball analyst EJ Arrow, Rodriguez is reportedly weighing her options and deciding whether to stay at Iowa or enter the transfer portal.
It was a very odd season for Rodriguez this year, who started off the season as one of Jan Jensen's first substitutes off the bench.
She then suffered an injury, and rumors surfaced that she might be kicked off the team after Jensen stated she needed to "re-commit to the program."
Rodriguez ultimately returned, but never appeared in a game. She ended up playing only six games for the Hawkeyes this season.
Rodriguez's tenure in Iowa City has been confusing, to say the least, and whether she returns to the program remains a mystery.