For the first time since 1987 the Iowa Hawkeye men’s basketball team is in the Elite Eight in the NCAA tournament. Which means most University of Iowa students are seeing the magic of a March Madness run in the men’s tournament for the first time.

Yes, the Hawkeyes were overwhelmed on the glass and overpowered by Illinois' interior offense. Yes this postseason run was an unforgettable success.

This is the end of Iowa basketball's first season under Ben McCollum. But if the Hawkeyes do things right, this can be the start of something bigger.

HOUSTON – Iowa men’s basketball’s special NCAA Tournament run has come to an end. The No. 9 seeded Hawkeyes fell to No. 4 Illinois, 71-59, in the Elite Eight, ending their season one win shy of the Final Four.

It's been a while since Iowa men's basketball played in a Sweet 16. Find out about the last Hawkeye team to do it.

Get to know a little more about the last Iowa basketball team to make the Elite Eight before the 2026 Hawkeyes.

March Madness has tipped off, and the Hawkeyes are ready to hit the floor. Iowa is looking for its first NCAA tournament win since 2021. Standing in the Hawkeyes’ way is Clemson. The Tigers went 24-10 overall and finished fourth in the ACC.

The No. 9 Iowa men's basketball team is scheduled to face off against the No. 3 Illinois at the NCAA Tournament's Elite Eight. This Saturday's matchup at Houston's Toyota Center, marks the first time these two Big Ten rivals will meet in the tournament.