Life after a generational icon isn't supposed to be this fun, is it? Most fans figured that once the Caitlin Clark era wrapped up, the atmosphere inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena might cool off just a little bit. Honestly, the opposite happened. The iowa hawkeye womens basketball schedule for the 2025-26 season has been an absolute gauntlet, and Jan Jensen—now in her second year as head coach—has the Hawkeyes playing a brand of basketball that feels both familiar and refreshingly new.
If you're looking at the remaining games, you've probably noticed that the Big Ten looks a lot different these days. With the addition of West Coast powerhouses like USC and UCLA, the travel schedule is kind of a nightmare, but the matchups are incredible for TV. We are currently sitting in the heart of the conference slate, and the stakes are rising with every single tip-off.
The Current Stretch: Iowa Hawkeye Womens Basketball Schedule Breakdown
We are right in the thick of it. Today is Sunday, January 18, 2026, and if you aren't parked in front of a screen or sitting in Carver-Hawkeye, you're missing a massive top-15 showdown.
Tonight’s Big One
The No. 11 Hawkeyes are hosting the No. 15 Michigan State Spartans. This is a 7 p.m. CT start on the Big Ten Network (BTN). Michigan State has been pesky all year, but Iowa is coming off a gritty win against Oregon where they showed they can win even when the three-ball isn't falling at a historic clip.
The Upcoming Road Gauntlet
After tonight, the team packs their bags for a serious East-to-West swing that will probably determine their seeding for the Big Ten Tournament in March.
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On Thursday, January 22, the Hawkeyes head to College Park to take on Maryland at 3 p.m. PST (that's an NBC game, by the way). Then they come back home briefly for Ohio State on January 25 before the "Pacific Tour" begins.
Basically, the end of January and start of February looks like this:
- January 29: At USC (Galen Center, Los Angeles) – 6 p.m. PST
- February 1: At UCLA (Pauley Pavilion, Los Angeles) – 1 p.m. PST on FOX
Going from the humidity of Maryland to the bright lights of LA in a seven-day span is a lot to ask of student-athletes, but that’s the new Big Ten reality.
Why This Schedule Is Harder Than Last Year
Last season, Jan Jensen won the Maggie Dixon Rookie Coach of the Year award because she kept the ship steady. She went 23-11. But this year? The schedule-makers didn't do her any favors.
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The Hawkeyes played a brutal non-conference schedule, including a massive December game against #1 UConn. While they took a loss there, it prepared this young roster—led by stars like Hannah Stuelke and Sydney Affolter—for the physical play of the Big Ten. Stuelke has evolved into one of the most dominant post threats in the country, and her matchup against the bigs of UCLA and USC is going to be must-watch basketball.
Where to Watch the Hawkeyes
Watching the iowa hawkeye womens basketball schedule unfold requires about four different streaming passwords nowadays. It's annoying, I know.
Most games land on Big Ten Network or FS1, but the "Big Games" are moving to broadcast. The UCLA game on February 1 is on FOX, and the Maryland game is on NBC. If you see a game listed on B1G+, just know that’s the conference's standalone streaming service—it’s usually where the early-season or lower-profile matchups live.
Key Matchups to Circle
The back half of February is where things get really personal.
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Iowa has a "home-and-home" vibe with Nebraska this year. They already beat the Huskers on New Year’s Day—which was the first time Iowa played at home on Jan 1 since 2006—but the rematch in Lincoln on February 16 is going to be a sellout.
Then you've got the regular-season finale. Mark your calendars for March 1. The Hawkeyes finish the season on the road against Wisconsin. After that, it’s off to Indianapolis for the Big Ten Tournament at Gainbridge Fieldhouse (March 4-8).
The Roster Depth Factor
You can't talk about the schedule without talking about who is playing the minutes. We’re seeing a lot more of Taylor Stremlow and Ava Heiden this year. They aren't just "bench pieces" anymore; they are foundational to how Iowa plays. Coach Jensen has been leaning on a rotation that goes 9 or 10 deep, which is a big reason why they’ve been able to survive this travel-heavy January.
Kylie Feuerbach and Taylor McCabe have provided the veteran leadership needed when games get tight. McCabe’s shooting remains the "gravity" that opens up the lane for Stuelke. When McCabe is on the floor, defenses can't double-team the post without giving up a wide-open look from the arc.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're planning to follow the rest of the iowa hawkeye womens basketball schedule, here is how to handle it like a pro:
- Check the Network Early: Don't wait until tip-off to realize the game is on Peacock or NBC. The Big Ten's TV deal is fragmented. If it's a Sunday game, there’s a high chance it’s on a major broadcast network (FOX/NBC/CBS).
- Buy Tickets Now for February: Carver-Hawkeye is effectively sold out for the season through secondary markets, but if you want to see them on the road (like at Nebraska or Purdue), those tickets are moving fast.
- Monitor the Rankings: Iowa is currently hovering around that #11 spot. A win tonight against Michigan State and a split of the LA road trip would almost certainly propel them into the top 10.
- Download the Hawkeye Sports App: It’s the only way to keep track of the live stats and radio broadcasts if you’re stuck in the car during a game.
The road to the 2026 NCAA Tournament looks promising. While the "Caitlin Effect" put Iowa on the map for the casual fan, the 2025-26 team is proving that the program has staying power. They aren't just a flash in the pan; they are a perennial powerhouse that knows how to navigate one of the toughest schedules in collegiate sports. Keep your eyes on that January 29 game at USC—it might just be the game of the year.