The new-look Iowa Men's Basketball squad has come out strong in their first two games in the first season under Ben McCollum.
Iowa took care of business in its first game against Robert Morris (101-69 win) and Western Illinois (77-58 win) and has a four-game stretch before entering the Big Ten Conference schedule.
The next four games, including a trip to California for the Acrisure Classic, will serve as a good barometer for where the program stands before the competition takes a significant leap.
Through the first two games of the season, the Hawkeyes have averaged 89.0 points per game, which is below the normal total for the program under Fran McCaffery. However, their defense has taken a significant step forward under McCollum.
Even though Iowa has only played two games, its scoring defense is ranked T-No. 56 in the country, allowing only 63.5 points per game, and No. 23 in turnovers forced per game with 18.5.
While those numbers do not jump out at you, it is a welcome sight for Iowa fans who have seen next to no defense over the past few seasons.
Even with only two games under their belts, one analyst gave Iowa a small chance to become the Big Ten regular-season champions in McCollum's first season at the helm.
The Big Ten regular season champion odds, according to @kalshisports 👀 pic.twitter.com/t2xs9W7xE1
— College Basketball Report (@CBKReport) November 12, 2025
According to Kalshi Sports, the Hawkeyes have a four percent chance to become Big Ten regular-season champions this year.
It will be an uphill climb for McCollum and the Hawkeyes this season as they navigate the always-challenging Big Ten Conference.
McCollum's track record and success at every previous stop have given some sportsbooks and analysts confidence that he can lead Iowa to a championship in his first season in the conference.