TJ Otzelberger isn't just recruiting; he’s basically building a wall around the state of Wisconsin and claiming it for Ames. If you’ve followed Iowa State Cyclones basketball recruiting lately, you know the vibe has shifted. It’s no longer just about finding "hidden gems" or overachieving. The Cyclones are out-muscling traditional powers for high-end talent, and they're doing it with a very specific, gritty blueprint.
Honestly, the 2025 and 2026 classes are proof that the "Ames is special" pitch is working. The program just landed a top 20 national class for 2026, marking the third time in five years they’ve hit that elite tier. This isn't a fluke. It's a system.
The Wisconsin Pipeline is Actually Insane
Look at the names. It started with Milan Momcilovic, a guy who probably could’ve played anywhere but chose the Hilton Magic. Then came the flood. For the 2025 cycle, Otzelberger went back into the Badger State and snagged Jamarion Batemon and Xzavion Mitchell.
Batemon is a 6-foot-3 bucket-getter from Milwaukee Academy of Science who shot over 40% from deep in high school. He’s the kind of guard who doesn't just fit the system—he defines it. Then there’s Mitchell, a 6-foot-7 power forward from Oshkosh North who was literally named Mr. Basketball in Wisconsin. Think about that. Iowa State went into Wisconsin and took their best player. Again.
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Why does this keep happening? Mitchell actually mentioned that seeing Tyrese Haliburton’s path from the same area to NBA stardom played a huge role. It’s a connection that sells itself.
Iowa State Cyclones Basketball Recruiting: The 2026 Heavy Hitters
The 2026 class is where things get even more interesting. On November 12, 2025, the program officially announced the signings of four preps that pushed them to No. 18 nationally according to 247Sports.
- Jackson Kiss (6-8 Forward): A four-star prospect from Utah Prep. He’s got that "Joshua Jefferson" energy—high motor, versatile, and a total glass-cleaner. He recently helped New Zealand to a fourth-place finish in the FIBA U17 World Cup.
- Christian Wiggins (6-5 Guard): A consensus four-star out of Wayzata in Minnesota. He’s a tough, defensive-minded guard who led his AAU team to a national title game.
- Yusef Gray Jr. (6-4 Guard): Another Wisconsin native (shocker). He’s an aggressive, downhill guard from West Allis Central who already has over 1,000 career points.
- Dorian Rinaldo-Komlan (6-10 Forward): The international wildcard. Coming from France via SPIRE Academy in Ohio, he’s a massive, athletic presence that Otzelberger describes as "disruptive."
This group isn't just talented; they are "Otzelberger guys." They play defense like their lives depend on it and they don't care about flashy stats as much as they care about winning.
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The International Shift and Nate Schmidt’s Influence
Iowa State is quietly becoming a global brand. Assistant coach Nate Schmidt has been the architect behind this. Look at Killyan Toure (France) and Dominykas Pleta (Germany) in the 2025 class. Toure has already been a starter as a freshman, proving he wasn't just brought in for depth.
Landing Rinaldo-Komlan for 2026 is part of that same strategy. France is a hotbed for basketball talent right now, and the Cyclones have a direct line. Having Toure already on campus made the pitch to Rinaldo-Komlan much easier. It's a snowball effect.
Is NIL Holding Them Back?
Actually, maybe not anymore. While Iowa State doesn't have the bottomless pockets of a Kansas or a Kentucky, they’ve been smart. The We Will Collective has been pairing athletes with local businesses since 2022.
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More importantly, the Big 12’s $50 million deal with the Players Era Festival is a game-changer. Starting in 2026, the Cyclones are guaranteed at least $1 million in NIL money just for showing up to the tournament in Las Vegas. That’s a massive recruiting tool. You can tell a kid, "Come here, win in the Big 12, and the NIL takes care of itself."
What’s Next: The 2027 Hunt
The staff isn't resting. On January 2, 2026, they hosted Donovan Davis for an unofficial visit during the West Virginia game. Davis is a top 50 national recruit from—you guessed it—Wisconsin. He’s the No. 2-ranked player in his state and a major target for 2027.
They’re also eyeing Baboucarr Ann, a wing from Minnesota who has visited Ames multiple times. The strategy is clear: dominate the Midwest, cherry-pick the best internationals, and use the portal to fill the gaps.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're tracking the future of this program, keep an eye on these specific markers over the next few months:
- Summer Decisions: Watch for Donovan Davis (2027) to make a move this summer. Iowa State is currently battling Wisconsin and Marquette for his services.
- The Portal Cycle: With veterans like Tamin Lipsey and Joshua Jefferson nearing the end of their runs, expect Otzelberger to look for one more experienced "connector" in the portal this spring to bridge the gap to the 2026 class.
- NIL Announcements: Look for more formal partnerships through the Players Era Festival, which will likely be used to retain current freshmen like Killyan Toure.
The Cyclones have moved past the era of being a "scrappy underdog." They are now a recruiting machine that big-name programs are starting to fear.