Everyone thought the lights would dim in Iowa City. Seriously. When Caitlin Clark walked out of Carver-Hawkeye Arena for the last time in 2024, the national narrative was basically: "Thanks for the memories, Iowa, back to irrelevance you go." People expected the sellout streaks to snap and the win column to shrivel up.
They were wrong.
Honestly, iowa women's college basketball isn't just surviving in 2026; it’s thriving under a completely different blueprint. The 2025-26 season has proven that the "Clark Effect" wasn't a temporary fever dream—it was a permanent foundation. While the logo-threes are fewer, the wins are still piling up, and the arena is still packed to the rafters.
The Jan Jensen Era: Not Just a Seat-Warmer
When Lisa Bluder retired, there was this nervous energy. Could Jan Jensen, the longtime assistant and "post-player whisperer," actually keep the engine running?
She’s done more than just keep it running.
Jensen has leaned into a style that feels a bit more "old school Iowa" but with a modern, high-tempo twist. As of mid-January 2026, the Hawkeyes are sitting at 15-2 overall and a perfect 6-0 in Big Ten play. They aren't just winning; they are dominating the glass. Jensen has this team ranked 10th nationally in field goal percentage, hitting nearly 50% of their shots.
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It’s efficient. It’s gritty. It’s working.
The biggest shocker? They went into Assembly Hall and gutted out a 56-53 win over Indiana recently. That’s not the high-flying 100-point Iowa of 2023. It’s a team that knows how to defend and close out ugly games. Jensen was named the 2025 Maggie Dixon Rookie Coach of the Year for a reason—she didn't try to be Lisa Bluder. She’s being Jan Jensen.
Why the "Post-Caitlin" Drop-off Never Came
Most people get the "Clark Effect" wrong. They think it was just about one player. In reality, it was about a culture shift. Iowa has now sold out season tickets for three consecutive years, including the current 2025-26 campaign. That 35-game home sellout streak? Still alive.
The fans didn't leave when the superstar did.
The New Faces of the Program
You’ve got to look at Hannah Stuelke. She’s a senior now, and she’s the undisputed heart of this roster. Averaging around 13.8 points and 8.5 rebounds, she’s the physical force that keeps opposing defenses honest.
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But the real "wow" factor is coming from the youth. Ava Heiden, the 6'4" sophomore center, is shooting a staggering 63% from the floor. She is currently second in the Big Ten in field goal percentage. Between her and the freshman sensation Addie Deal, the talent pipeline hasn't slowed down one bit.
Then there's "Chit-Chat." That’s the nickname for Chazadi Wright, the Georgia Tech transfer who has taken over point guard duties. She’s small—only 5'4"—but she’s a lightning bolt on the court, dishing out nearly 4 assists a game and keeping the pace fast enough to make fans forget (mostly) about the transition from #22.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Big Ten Race
The common misconception is that the Big Ten is a two-horse race between USC and UCLA now that the West Coast teams have settled in. While UCLA is currently ranked #3 and looks like a juggernaut, Iowa is right there at the top of the standings with them.
The Hawkeyes aren't just "happy to be here." They are hunting a regular-season title.
They’ve already knocked off Top 25 teams like Nebraska and Baylor. The only real blemishes on the record are a tough road loss to a Top 10 Iowa State team (that Cy-Hawk rivalry is no joke) and a reality-check loss to #1 UConn in Brooklyn. But even in that UConn game, Jensen’s squad showed they could hang for three quarters before the Huskies' depth took over.
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The Economic Reality of 2026
If you go to Iowa City today, the energy is different but the money is the same. The "Clarkonomics" report from the Common Sense Institute estimated Caitlin brought in up to $52 million to the state’s GDP.
Critics said that would vanish.
Instead, the infrastructure stayed. The NIL collectives for iowa women's college basketball are among the most robust in the country. Local businesses that bought into the hype three years ago haven't pulled their signs down. They’ve realized that Iowa fans are loyal to the program, not just the person.
The team still draws more Instagram followers than the school’s football team. Let that sink in. In a state where Hawkeye football is a religion, the women’s basketball team is the one trending every single week.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Bettors
If you're following the trajectory of this program, here is what you actually need to watch:
- The Rebound Margin: Iowa is currently +11.9 in rebounding margin. If they keep winning the glass, they are a lock for a deep March run because they no longer rely on 35-foot heaves to win.
- The "Feuerbach" Factor: Senior Kylie Feuerbach has been dealing with injuries. When she’s healthy, Iowa’s perimeter defense is elite. If she’s out, they struggle against quick guards like they did against UConn.
- The Schedule Gauntlet: The end of January is brutal. They have to travel to USC and UCLA back-to-back. If they split those games, they are legitimate Final Four contenders. If they get swept, they’re likely a 4 or 5 seed in the tournament.
Your next move: Watch the January 25th home game against Ohio State. It’s the ultimate litmus test for whether this team’s interior dominance can overcome the Buckeyes' press. If Ava Heiden can handle the double teams, Iowa is officially the team to beat in the Big Ten.