So, you're looking at the calendar, seeing the snow melt, and wondering the big question: is Iowa State in March Madness this year? Honestly, if you’ve been following T.J. Otzelberger’s squad at all, you already know Hilton Coliseum has been jumping. But for those just tuning in for the tournament talk, the short answer is a resounding "almost certainly," though the bracket isn't set in stone just yet.
It is January 2026. Selection Sunday is still a couple of months away. However, as of right now, the Iowa State Cyclones aren't just looking like a "tournament team"—they are looking like a potential No. 1 seed.
The Current Resume: Why They Are Practically In
When people ask is Iowa State in March Madness, they are usually looking for a "yes" or "no." In college hoops, nothing is official until that Sunday in March. But look at the numbers. The Cyclones started the 2025-26 season with a historic 16-0 run. That isn't just a good start; it's the best start in the history of the program.
They finally hit a speed bump on January 13, 2026, dropping a tough one at Allen Fieldhouse against Kansas. Losing to the Jayhawks in Lawrence? That happens to the best of them. Even with that loss, the Cyclones are sitting at 16-1 overall.
- AP Poll Standing: They reached No. 2 in the nation this January.
- The Purdue Statement: On December 6, they went into Mackey Arena and dismantled a No. 1 ranked Purdue team 81-58.
- Bracketology: Expert Joe Lunardi has had them locked into a No. 1 seed in the South Region for weeks.
Basically, unless the team completely forgets how to play basketball in February, they are a lock. They’ve already banked enough high-quality wins to survive a few losses in the gauntlet that is the Big 12.
💡 You might also like: Por qué los partidos de Primera B de Chile son más entretenidos que la división de honor
What Makes This 2026 Team Different?
It's the balance. In the past, Otzelberger teams were known for a "clutch your heart" defense that forced turnovers but sometimes struggled to throw a pea into the ocean. This year? They are still elite defensively, but the offense has caught up.
Joshua Jefferson has been a revelation. The senior forward is putting up around 17.4 points and nearly 8 rebounds a game. Then you’ve got Milan Momcilovic. He’s a junior now, and his shot-making is just unfair at times. When you pair those two with a veteran floor general like Tamin Lipsey—who is an Ames legend at this point—you get a team that can beat you in a track meet or a rock fight.
They aren't just winning; they are dominating. Before the Kansas game, they were leading the nation in scoring margin, beating teams by an average of over 22 points.
The Big 12 Gauntlet and the Road to March
The Big 12 is a nightmare. It is easily the toughest conference in the country this year. You’ve got Arizona, BYU, and Houston all fighting for that top spot. Because the conference is so deep, Iowa State’s strength of schedule is going to stay sky-high.
📖 Related: South Carolina women's basketball schedule: What Most People Get Wrong
Even if they go .500 the rest of the way in conference play, their "NET" ranking (the tool the selection committee uses) will remain top-tier. Most analysts believe the Big 12 will get at least 10 teams into the dance. Iowa State is currently near the very top of that list.
Key Remaining Games to Watch:
- vs Houston (Feb 16): A battle of two of the best defenses in modern history.
- at Arizona (March 2): This could decide the Big 12 regular-season title and a No. 1 seed.
- The Big 12 Tournament (Kansas City): Hilton South. If they win this, they might be the overall No. 1 seed in the entire bracket.
Is the Women’s Team In Too?
Don't forget about Bill Fennelly’s squad. The Iowa State women are also having a massive year, led by the unstoppable Audi Crooks. As of mid-January, they’ve had some tough battles in Big 12 play, including losses to Baylor and West Virginia, but they remain a projected tournament team. If you’re a Cyclone fan, you’re likely looking at two teams in the big dance this March.
What Could Go Wrong?
Injuries. That’s the only thing that really derails a team this good. If Lipsey or Jefferson were to go down for an extended period, the dynamic changes. But this roster is deeper than previous years. Freshmen like Killyan Toure have shown they can handle meaningful minutes in big games.
Another factor is the "bubble." But honestly, Iowa State is so far away from the bubble right now that they can't even see it with binoculars. They are playing for seeding, not for a spot. They want to stay in that 1 or 2 seed range to ensure they stay close to home for the early rounds.
👉 See also: Scores of the NBA games tonight: Why the London Game changed everything
How to Follow the Cyclones to March Madness
If you want to track their progress, keep an eye on the NET rankings and the weekly AP Poll. But the real "official" answer to is Iowa State in March Madness will come on Selection Sunday, March 15, 2026.
For now, just enjoy the ride. This is arguably the most talented team to ever wear the cardinal and gold. They have the defense to stifle anyone and the shooting to blow games open.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Check the TV Schedule: Most remaining games are on ESPN or Big 12 Now on ESPN+.
- Watch the Seed Projections: Look for "Bracketology" updates every Tuesday and Friday to see if they stay on that No. 1 seed line.
- Clear Your Calendar: The first round of the NCAA Tournament starts March 19, 2026. If the projections hold, Iowa State will likely be playing their first-weekend games in a nearby pod like St. Louis.
The Cyclones are a force. They aren't just "in" the tournament; they are a legitimate threat to win the whole thing.