Iowa Hawkeyes Defy Transfer Portal Trend Under Coach Ben McCollum
In an era where the college basketball transfer portal has become a revolving door, the Iowa Hawkeyes are proving that loyalty and culture can still win the day. Under head coach Ben McCollum, 10 of 11 eligible players chose to stay in Iowa City after the team's stunning Elite Eight run, bucking a national trend that saw over 2,600 players enter the portal this offseason.
This is not just a feel-good story for Hawkeye fans. It is a testament to the kind of program McCollum has built, one rooted in accountability, family, and a shared commitment to winning. For a state like Iowa, where hard work and loyalty are core values, this news resonates deeply.
Why Are Iowa Players Staying Put?
While many programs across the country are losing half their rosters to the portal, Iowa's roster stability stands out. The average Division I team lost about seven players this offseason. But McCollum's squad, which made national headlines with its March Madness run, saw almost everyone return.
Guard Kael Combs put it simply: 'He cares about you off the court, he cares about you on the court. I think it was very easy just to make the decision.'
Forward Cam Manyawu echoed that sentiment. 'I wasn't surprised at all. I knew all of us were coming back to be honest. That's just the culture that's been built here.'
What Makes McCollum's Culture Different?
Culture is a word often thrown around in sports, but McCollum has turned it into a tangible advantage. His son, Peyton McCollum, who has been around the program for years, described it as a sense of family and friendship where players hold each other accountable.
'Those guys are always gonna have your back and also gonna hold you accountable,' Peyton said. 'They're not just gonna be there for the good times. The bad times as well.'
That bond extends beyond the court. Combs noted that the team gathers in the evenings to watch former teammates Bennett Stirtz and Brendan Hausen play in NBA summer league games. It is a level of connection that makes leaving difficult.
'It's not a program that you really want to leave,' said another player. 'Everyone wants to come here, everyone wants to win.'
McCollum's Winning Track Record
McCollum's success is no accident. At Northwest Missouri State, he won four Division II national championships. In just two years at the Division I level with Iowa, he has already engineered two Cinderella runs in March Madness, including this year's Elite Eight appearance.
His players have followed him at every step, a loyalty that is increasingly rare in modern college sports. While lucrative NIL deals and offers from powerhouse programs like North Carolina were on the table, the Hawkeyes chose to stay.
What This Means for Iowa Basketball
For Iowa fans, this continuity is a huge win. It means the team will return a core group of experienced players who have already proven they can compete at the highest level. It also sends a message to recruits: Iowa is a place where you can win and be part of something bigger than yourself.
As the transfer portal continues to reshape college basketball, the Hawkeyes are showing that a strong culture can still be the ultimate competitive advantage. For now, the immovable object that is Ben McCollum's program is standing firm against the unstoppable force of the portal.
This article was adapted from original reporting by Yahoo Sports. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved.