If you’re staring at your phone wondering what time does Iowa play on Saturday, you probably already know the Hawkeyes are in a bit of a mid-season funk. It happens. Every team hits that January wall where the legs feel heavy and the rims in opposing arenas look like they’ve shrunk two sizes. Today, Saturday, January 17, 2026, the Iowa men’s basketball team is tasked with a trip to Bloomington to face an Indiana team that is just as desperate for a win.
The short answer: Iowa plays Indiana at 1:00 p.m. CT (2:00 p.m. ET) today. But honestly, if you’re a Hawkeye fan, there’s a lot more to the story than just the tip-off time. This isn't just another game on the calendar. This is about stopping a three-game slide that has the fan base checking the KenPom rankings with a nervous twitch.
The Saturday Slate: When and Where to Tune In
The Big Ten schedule makers didn't do Iowa any favors with this one. Playing at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall is never easy, especially when the Hoosiers are coming off back-to-back losses themselves. The atmosphere is going to be loud, hostile, and probably a little bit suffocating if Iowa doesn't start fast.
- Tip-off Time: 1:00 p.m. Central Time (2:00 p.m. ET)
- TV Channel: FOX
- Live Stream: FOX Sports App or FOXSports.com
- Radio: Hawkeye Radio Network (Gary Dolphin and Bobby Hansen on the call)
You've basically got your afternoon cut out for you. If you’re at home in Iowa City or Cedar Rapids, you'll want to be settled on the couch by 12:50 p.m. just to catch the intros. FOX usually does a solid job with the pre-game hype, and considering both teams are sitting at 12-5 overall, the "bubble talk" is likely going to start earlier than usual this year.
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Why This Saturday Matchup Feels Different
It’s weird to say a January game is a "must-win," but Iowa is currently 2-4 in Big Ten play. That's a tough spot. They just came off a brutal stretch: a three-point heartbreaker at Minnesota, a frustrating loss to Illinois, and then a seven-point defeat at Purdue where they actually played pretty well but couldn't close.
The main guy everyone is watching is Bennett Stirtz. He’s been a revelation this season, averaging nearly 18 points a game. He’s got that shiftiness that makes him a nightmare in the pick-and-roll, and NBA scouts have definitely started circling his name. In the latest updates from Bloomington, Stirtz is already making his presence felt, but he needs help.
The loss of Peyton McCollum to a foot injury has been a massive blow to the rotation. Without him, the bench is thinner, and the starters are logging heavy minutes. You sort of see the fatigue late in games, which explains why they’ve struggled to finish out those close ones recently.
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Breaking Down the Matchup: Iowa vs Indiana
Indiana is favored by about 2.5 or 3.5 points depending on where you look. They’re 3-3 in the conference, just a step ahead of Iowa. They rely heavily on Lamar Wilkerson and their ability to dominate the paint. If Iowa can’t keep the Hoosiers off the offensive glass, it’s going to be a long Saturday afternoon.
One interesting thing to watch is how Iowa handles the pace. They’re currently ranked very low in tempo (around No. 335 in the country), which is a bit of a departure from the "all-gas-no-brakes" style we’ve seen in years past. They’re being more deliberate, focusing on offensive efficiency, where they actually rank in the top 40 nationally. It’s a gamble. It works if you make shots, but it leaves you very little margin for error if you go cold for a five-minute stretch.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Iowa Schedule
People often get confused when searching for "what time does Iowa play" because Iowa State also plays today. It’s a common mix-up. For the record, the No. 2 ranked Iowa State Cyclones are playing Cincinnati at 1:00 p.m. CT as well, but that game is on Peacock/NBC Sports Network. If you’re looking for the Hawkeyes, make sure you’re on FOX.
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Also, don't go looking for the wrestling dual today. The No. 4 Hawkeye wrestlers actually competed last night in a massive showdown against No. 1 Penn State. It was a tough night at Carver-Hawkeye Arena—the Nittany Lions took that one 32-3. It’s rare to see an Iowa wrestling team get handled like that, but Nasir Bailey provided the lone bright spot with a massive upset at 141 pounds.
Actionable Steps for Game Day
If you’re planning to watch or follow along, here’s how to make the most of it:
- Check the FOX Sports App early: If you’re streaming, make sure your login credentials for your cable provider or YouTube TV are actually working. There is nothing worse than missing the first four minutes because of a "password reset" loop.
- Monitor the injury report: Keep an eye on Tayton Conerway for Indiana; he’s been banged up. For Iowa, the depth behind Stirtz and Freeman is the biggest question mark.
- Live stats: If you can't be near a TV, the official Hawkeye Sports website or the ESPN app has the fastest live-score updates.
- Follow local beat writers: Guys like Chad Leistikow or the crew at the Daily Iowan usually post lineup changes or locker room vibes about 30 minutes before the 1:00 p.m. tip.
The Hawkeyes have the talent to win this game, but they have to prove they can win on the road in a hostile environment without their full roster. Catch the game at 1:00 p.m. CT on FOX.