The energy around Carver-Hawkeye Arena is different these days. It’s quieter but somehow more intense. People thought when the Caitlin Clark era ended, the box scores would just crater. They didn't. Honestly, looking at the Iowa women’s basketball statistics for the 2025-26 season, the most shocking thing isn't what's missing—it's what has been added.
We aren't seeing 40-foot logos shots every five minutes anymore. Instead, we’re seeing a balanced, almost surgical efficiency that has Jan Jensen’s squad sitting at 14-2.
The New Math of the Hawkeye Offense
Everyone expected the scoring average to plumment. It didn't. Currently, the team is puting up 80.9 points per game. That ranks them 22nd nationally. For context, they’re actually shooting a higher field goal percentage now (49.1%) than they did during some of the highest-flying years of the early 2020s. Basically, they’ve traded volume for precision.
The ball moves differently now. It’s less "hero ball" and more "share the wealth."
The team is averaging 20.8 assists per game, which is good for 5th in the entire country. That is a wild stat. It means nearly every bucket is coming off a pass. They aren't relying on one person to create magic; they’re relying on a system that finds the open person. You’ve got four different players averaging double figures or close to it, which makes them a nightmare to scout.
Standing Tall in the Big Ten
Right now, Iowa is 5-0 in conference play. They’re tied at the top with UCLA.
Most experts predicted a middle-of-the-pack finish this year, but the numbers tell a story of a team that refuses to rebuild. They’ve already knocked off Nebraska and Indiana in gritty, low-scoring affairs that would have probably been losses in previous years if the outside shots weren't falling.
💡 You might also like: Why Isn't Mbappe Playing Today: The Real Madrid Crisis Explained
The Stars You Need to Watch
If you haven’t been paying attention to Ava Heiden, you’re missing out. The sophomore center has completely transformed the way Iowa plays in the paint. She’s leading the team with 16.0 points per game and grabbing 7.7 rebounds. She isn't just a traditional "big." She’s mobile. She’s smart. She’s the anchor of a defense that’s only giving up 61.1 points per game.
Then there is Hannah Stuelke.
She’s the veteran now. A senior leader who just quietly goes out and gives you a double-double threat every single night.
- Points: 13.5
- Rebounds: 8.5
- The "Vibe": Pure hustle.
Stuelke is the bridge between the past and the future. She’s the one diving for loose balls when the team is up by 20. You can’t track that in a standard box score, but you can see it in the win column.
The Backcourt Shuffle
Chazadi "Chit-Chat" Wright has been the spark plug this team needed. Transferring in and immediately dropping 13.1 points and 3.8 assists per game? That’s not easy. She’s small—only 5'4"—but she plays like she’s 6 feet tall.
And don't sleep on Taylor McCabe.
She’s shooting 35.9% from three-point range. While the total number of threes taken is down to about 19 per game, the ones they do take are high-quality looks. They aren't forcing it. They’re waiting for the defense to collapse on Heiden and then kicking it out to the perimeter.
📖 Related: Tottenham vs FC Barcelona: Why This Matchup Still Matters in 2026
Breaking Down the Team Averages
If you’re a nerd for Iowa women’s basketball statistics, you’ve got to look at the rebounding margin. This is where the games are actually being won.
Iowa is averaging 42.6 rebounds per game.
Their opponents? Only 30.7.
That +11.9 margin is one of the best in the Big Ten. It means they’re getting second-chance points and, more importantly, they aren't giving any up. It’s blue-collar basketball. It’s not flashy. It’s just effective.
The turnovers are still a bit of a headache, though. They’re averaging 15.1 per game. Jan Jensen has mentioned in post-game pressers that this is the one area where they’re "kinda messy." But when you’re shooting nearly 50% from the floor, you can survive a few sloppy passes.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Team
There’s this weird narrative that Iowa is a "down" program now.
That is objectively false.
They’re ranked 11th in the AP Poll. They have a Strength of Schedule (SOS) that ranks 9th in the country. They aren't playing cupcakes; they’re beating top-tier talent.
They went into Bloomington and beat Indiana 56-53.
They beat Baylor on a neutral court.
They dominated Rutgers.
👉 See also: Buddy Hield Sacramento Kings: What Really Happened Behind the Scenes
The "Caitlin Clark Effect" was about more than just one player; it built a culture of winning and a fanbase that shows up. Iowa is still 8-0 at home. Carver-Hawkeye is still a house of horrors for visiting teams. The attendance hasn't dropped off a cliff like people thought it would. People still want to see good basketball, and stats-wise, this is some of the best basketball in the country.
Actionable Insights for the Rest of the Season
If you’re betting on this team or just following them closely, keep an eye on these specific metrics over the next month:
- Heiden’s Foul Trouble: When Ava Heiden stays on the floor for more than 30 minutes, Iowa’s win probability jumps significantly.
- The 70-Point Mark: Iowa is nearly undefeated this season when they hold opponents under 70 points. Their defensive rating (83.0) is actually better than it has been in years.
- Bench Scoring: Look for Taylor Stremlow or Emely Rodriguez to provide a spark. When the bench contributes more than 15 points, Iowa tends to blow teams out.
The schedule gets tougher from here. They’ve got dates with Oregon, Maryland, and a massive showdown with Ohio State coming up. But if the Iowa women’s basketball statistics keep trending this way, don't be surprised if they’re hoisting another trophy in March. They aren't the same team they were two years ago, and honestly? That might be their biggest strength.
To get the most out of your Hawkeye fandom this season, focus on the defensive rotations and the rebounding margins rather than just the three-point percentage. This team wins by grinding opponents down, not just outshooting them. Check the box scores for "points in the paint"—if Iowa is winning that category, they’re winning the game.