If you’re looking at the university of iowa women's basketball schedule and thinking it’s going to be a "rebuilding" year, you’re honestly missing the bigger picture. Most people assume that after the Caitlin Clark era, the energy in Iowa City would just... fizzle out.
It hasn't. Not even close.
Coach Jan Jensen, who spent decades as the right-hand architect under Lisa Bluder, has the Hawkeyes playing a brand of basketball that is somehow both familiar and entirely new. We aren't just talking about a couple of blowout wins against mid-majors. We’re talking about a schedule designed to prove that Iowa belongs in the elite conversation, regardless of who graduated.
The Brutal Stretch: January and February Showdowns
Look, the Big Ten isn't the same league it was three years ago. With the addition of West Coast powerhouses like USC and UCLA, the university of iowa women's basketball schedule looks more like a gauntlet than a conference slate.
Right now, we are in the thick of it. Coming off a gritty win against Indiana at Assembly Hall (56-53, for those keeping track), the Hawkeyes have zero time to breathe.
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Key Upcoming Matchups
- January 18: No. 15 Michigan State comes to Carver-Hawkeye Arena. This is a massive "culture" game.
- January 22: A road trip to Maryland. Xfinity Center is never friendly.
- January 25: Ohio State at home. Expect a track meet.
- January 29 & February 1: The "L.A. Swing." Back-to-back road games against USC and UCLA.
That road trip to Los Angeles is basically the season's litmus test. USC is a juggernaut right now, and UCLA’s depth is terrifying. If Jan Jensen can pull a split out of that West Coast swing, this team is a lock for a high seed in the tournament. Honestly, seeing how this roster handles the travel and the time zone shift will tell us everything we need to know about their March potential.
Why the Non-Conference Schedule Still Matters
You've probably noticed that Iowa didn't shy away from anyone early on. They took their lumps against UConn in Brooklyn (a 90-64 loss that was closer for three quarters than the final score suggests) and dropped a heartbreaker in the Cy-Hawk series to Iowa State.
But those losses were intentional.
Jensen wanted Hannah Stuelke and Addison O'Grady to feel what it's like to play against elite length. Stuelke has responded by becoming a double-double machine. She isn't just a secondary option anymore; she's the focal point. When you look back at the university of iowa women's basketball schedule in March, those early losses to top-10 teams will be the reason the Hawkeyes are battle-hardened.
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Scoring is Different Now
The "Iowa Style" used to be about one person having the ultimate green light. Now? It’s more of a collective headache for defensive coordinators. You’ve got Taylor McCabe's "from the parking lot" range, and Kylie Feuerbach's defensive intensity that turns into easy transition buckets.
It's a different kind of fun. Sorta like moving from a solo artist to a really tight jazz ensemble.
Navigating the Final Month
The end of the university of iowa women's basketball schedule is actually pretty home-heavy, which is a blessing. February sees Nebraska, Washington, and Michigan all visiting Carver-Hawkeye.
The regular season wraps up on March 1st at Wisconsin. It’s a game that might seem like a "trap" if the Hawkeyes are looking ahead to the Big Ten Tournament in Indianapolis. Speaking of Indy, the tournament runs from March 4-8 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
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Actionable Tips for Hawkeye Fans
If you're trying to actually see a game in person, here is what you need to do right now.
Check official secondary markets immediately. Most games at Carver-Hawkeye are technically sold out, but the UI Athletic Ticket Office uses SeatGeek as their official secondary partner. Don't buy off random social media posts; the "fraudulent ticket" warnings this year are real.
Watch the "Flex" games. The TV schedule is a mix of FOX, NBC, and Peacock. Specifically, that Maryland game on Jan 22 is an NBC/Peacock exclusive. If you don't have the app yet, don't wait until tip-off to realize you're blacked out.
Keep an eye on the Sunday "Family" starts. Seven of the remaining conference games are on Sundays. These are usually the highest energy games because the "Hawkeye Kids" are out in full force. If you want the true atmosphere, those are the dates to circle.
The path through the 2025-26 season is rocky, but this team is proving that the program is bigger than any one player. Keep your eyes on the L.A. road trip—it defines the year.