The energy around Carver-Hawkeye Arena hasn't dipped, even if the faces on the floor have changed. If you’re looking at the iowa women's bb schedule for the 2025-26 season, you're basically looking at the blueprint for the "Jan Jensen Era." It’s different. It’s gritty.
And honestly? It’s a gauntlet.
People keep waiting for the post-Caitlin Clark "cooldown," but the schedule makers clearly didn't get that memo. We are deep into the Big Ten slate now, and the Hawkeyes are currently navigating a January that would make most programs buckle. Between cross-country flights to new conference rivals and the high-altitude pressure of Big Ten traditional powers, this season is a trial by fire for a roster that is still finding its collective soul.
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The Brutal January Stretch
Right now, we are in the thick of it. If you’ve been following the iowa women's bb schedule, you know the team just came off a massive emotional high. They edged out Indiana 56-53 in Bloomington on January 11—a game that was honestly more of a defensive fistfight than a basketball game.
But there’s no time to breathe.
The upcoming weeks are where seasons are either made or broken. You've got Michigan State coming to Iowa City on January 18. That’s a 7:00 PM CST tip. It’s "Letterwinner Celebration" night, so expect the rafters to be shaking. Michigan State is playing fast this year, and for an Iowa team that’s transitioning its identity, keeping pace with the Spartans’ transition game is going to be the whole story.
Then, the travel gets weird.
On January 22, they head to Maryland. That’s a 5:00 PM start. Maryland is always a nightmare at home. Then, just three days later, they’re back at Carver to host Ohio State on January 25 at 1:00 PM. That’s a "Black & Gold Stripe Out" game. If you haven't secured tickets yet, good luck. Secondary markets are already looking pretty steep for that one.
The West Coast Swing and New Frontiers
This is the part of the iowa women's bb schedule that still feels like a fever dream for longtime Big Ten fans. The conference expansion is officially "real" when you see the Hawkeyes heading to Los Angeles.
- January 29 at USC: An 8:00 PM CST tip. This is a massive test. USC is arguably the most talented team in the country right now with JuJu Watkins leading the charge.
- February 1 at UCLA: A quick turnaround for a 3:00 PM CST game at Pauley Pavilion.
Back-to-back games in LA against two top-10 programs? That’s brutal. Jan Jensen has her work cut out for her with the logistics alone. You're dealing with time zone changes, elite athleticism, and the fact that the Hawkeyes will have been on the road for a significant chunk of the month.
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It's a "prove it" week. If Iowa comes out of that California trip with a split, Hawkeye Nation should be thrilled.
Why the Home Stand in February Matters
After that LA trip, the team finally gets some home cooking. They host Minnesota on February 5 for the "National Girls and Women in Sports Celebration." It’s a 6:00 PM tip.
Then comes Washington on February 11. This is the "Pink Out" game. Washington is another one of those new West Coast additions, and their style of play is significantly more deliberate than what Iowa usually likes to face. It’ll be a clash of tempos.
Keeping an Eye on the Finish Line
The regular season wraps up with some high-stakes matchups that will likely decide Big Ten Tournament seeding.
- February 16 at Nebraska: An 11:00 AM CST tip. This is the only team Iowa plays twice this year in the home-and-away format.
- February 22 vs. Michigan: Senior Day at Carver. Expect emotions to be at an all-time high as we celebrate the veterans who stayed through the coaching transition.
- March 1 at Wisconsin: The regular-season finale.
The Big Ten Tournament starts shortly after, running from March 4-8 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Given how tight the conference standings are looking right now, that tournament might be the most wide-open we’ve seen in a decade.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're planning to follow the rest of the iowa women's bb schedule, here is what you actually need to do:
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- Check the TV Listings: Games are scattered across Big Ten Network, FS1, FOX, and Peacock. The January 25 game against Ohio State is a big one, so make sure your subscriptions are active.
- Watch the Rotation: Pay attention to how Addie Deal and Ava Heiden are handling the increased minutes. The freshmen are hitting that "February Wall" soon; how Jan Jensen manages their legs will determine the postseason.
- Ticket Strategy: If you're trying to get into Carver for the Michigan game on Senior Day, start looking now. It's the most high-demand game left on the calendar.
- Stay Flexible: Tip times for the February 22 game against Michigan are still listed as either 11:00 AM or 1:00 PM depending on the FOX/FS1 broadcast window. Don't book your pre-game brunch just yet.
This season isn't about chasing records; it's about defining what Iowa basketball looks like in a new era. Every game on the schedule is a building block.