Everything feels different at Carver-Hawkeye Arena these days, doesn't it? The air is a little thinner, the expectations are a weird mix of "please don't let the magic end" and "how do we actually do this without number 22?" Honestly, if you’re looking at the u of iowa women's basketball schedule just to see when they play, you’re only getting half the story.
This 2025-2026 season isn't just a list of dates. It's Jan Jensen’s second year at the helm, and the "rookie coach" label is officially gone. People thought the program would crater once the generational talent moved on to the WNBA, but the Hawkeyes are currently sitting near the top of the Big Ten with a 15-2 record. They aren't just surviving; they’re actually thriving.
The Brutal Stretch: Why January and February Matter
If you’ve been following along, you know the schedule is basically a gauntlet right now. We just passed the midway point of January, and the Hawkeyes are in the thick of a residency at the top of the standings.
✨ Don't miss: Hawkeyes vs Iowa State: Why This Rivalry Still Matters
But look at what's coming. You've got Michigan State visiting Iowa City this Sunday, January 18th. That’s a 5:00 PM tip-off that's going to be loud. Grace VanSlooten is a problem for anyone in the paint, and Iowa’s post-defense—led by Hannah Stuelke—is going to be tested.
Then it gets really "kinda" crazy.
The team has to fly out to the West Coast for back-to-back games against the new Big Ten additions. Playing at USC on January 29th and then turning around to face UCLA on February 1st at Pauley Pavilion? That is a brutal travel itinerary. UCLA is currently ranked No. 3 in the AP Poll and leads the conference. If the Hawkeyes want to prove they are still "that" team, the road trip to Los Angeles is where they have to do it.
🔗 Read more: Georgia Game Today: What Channel is GA Game On (And How to Watch)
Key Upcoming Games to Circle
- Jan 18: vs. Michigan State (Carver-Hawkeye Arena) - 5:00 PM PST
- Jan 22: at Maryland (XFINITY Center) - 3:00 PM PST
- Jan 25: vs. Ohio State (Carver-Hawkeye Arena) - 11:00 AM PST
- Jan 29: at USC (Galen Center) - 6:00 PM PST
- Feb 1: at UCLA (Pauley Pavilion) - 1:00 PM PST
The "Post-Caitlin" Identity Crisis That Wasn't
Most experts predicted a massive slide. They saw the u of iowa women's basketball schedule and assumed those games against UConn or Iowa State would be blowout losses.
Well, those people were wrong.
Iowa lost a close one to Iowa State (74-69) back in December, but they showed they have plenty of firepower. Hannah Stuelke has transitioned from a supporting player to a legitimate star, and Sydney Affolter’s toughness is basically the heartbeat of this roster. Add in Addie Deal, the freshman who is playing way beyond her years, and you have a team that is much more balanced than the one-dimensional squads people feared would emerge.
Jan Jensen isn't trying to coach like Lisa Bluder. She's doing her own thing. It's a bit more "grind it out" at times, but the offensive efficiency is still top-10 in the country. They’re shooting 49.1% as a team. That’s elite.
Watching the Games: The TV Situation
Don't expect to find every game on a local cable channel. The Big Ten's new media deal means you’re jumping between platforms like a caffeinated squirrel.
The upcoming game at Maryland is on NBC. The UCLA showdown? That’s on FOX. If you don’t have Peacock, you’re probably going to miss a few mid-week matchups. It’s annoying, sure, but it’s the price of the sport becoming a national powerhouse. Most people get frustrated because they check the u of iowa women's basketball schedule five minutes before tip-off and realize they don't have the right streaming app.
Plan ahead. Get the Big Ten Plus (B1G+) app if you want the smaller non-conference stuff or the replays, but for these big January/February showdowns, you’re mostly looking at FOX, FS1, and the Big Ten Network.
What's at Stake for the Postseason?
The regular season ends on March 1st against Wisconsin. After that, everyone heads to Indianapolis for the Big Ten Tournament at Gainbridge Fieldhouse (March 4-8).
📖 Related: Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts: What Most People Get Wrong About the Legacy
Right now, Iowa is projected as a high seed. They have a 5-game winning streak. They are proving that the "Iowa Style" of basketball is a system, not just a player. While they might not be the absolute favorite to win the national title like they were a couple of years ago, nobody wants to see them in their bracket in March.
Basically, the Hawkeyes are still the team that everyone loves to hate or hates to love.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans:
- Sync Your Calendar: Go to the official Hawkeye Sports website and download the digital schedule to your phone. It updates automatically for time changes, which happen more often than you'd think.
- Check Your Subs: Verify you have access to FOX, FS1, and Peacock before the January 29th USC game. That West Coast swing is exclusive to national broadcasts.
- Watch the NET Rankings: Keep an eye on the NCAA NET rankings on Monday mornings. Iowa is currently around No. 15. If they can split the USC/UCLA trip, they’ll likely jump into the top 10, which is crucial for hosting those first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament at Carver.
- Ticket Strategy: If you’re planning on going to the Ohio State game on January 25th, buy your tickets now. Carver-Hawkeye is still selling out, and secondary market prices usually spike 48 hours before tip-off.