The Iowa Hawkeyes open the 2026-27 men's basketball season Tuesday night at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, hosting the Lipscomb Bison at 7 p.m. CT on the Big Ten Network.
Head coach Ben McCollum begins his second season in charge of the program after a debut year that produced a 24-13 record and a run to the NCAA Tournament Elite 8. According to Sports Illustrated, the opener marks the first meeting ever between Iowa and Lipscomb.
How to watch Iowa vs. Lipscomb
Fans can catch the season opener on the Big Ten Network, with the streaming option available through the Big Ten Network App. FOX Sports confirms the game tips off Tuesday, Nov. 3, at 8 p.m. ET.
- Time: 7 p.m. CT
- TV Channel: Big Ten Network
- Streaming: Big Ten Network App
- Location: Carver-Hawkeye Arena, Iowa City, Iowa
The TV broadcast crew features Chris Vosters on play-by-play with Jess Settles providing color commentary. Longtime Hawkeye fans can also listen on the Hawkeye Radio Network, where Gary Dolphin handles play-by-play and Bobby Hansen serves as color analyst.
What fans should know about the matchup
Iowa enters the season looking to build on the instant success of McCollum's first year, which ended with a deep NCAA Tournament run. Yahoo Sports notes the Hawkeyes will lean on a revamped roster assembled through the transfer portal along with a strong recruiting class.
Lipscomb comes in off a 19-13 season and is coached by Kevin Carroll, who is in his 11th season overall with a career record of 141-148. The Bison will be playing on back-to-back days, having opened their season against Southeastern Missouri State on Monday, while this is Iowa's first game of the year.
Key Iowa players to watch
The guard rotation is one of the biggest questions heading into the opener. Kael Combs is expected to get the first look, with Isaia Howard and Ty'Reek Coleman each likely to see significant time running McCollum's offense.
In the frontcourt, Iowa has two distinct options. Andrew McKeever is the true big-bodied center and paint presence who figures to play a major role this season, while Cam Manyawu offers a smaller, faster look when the Hawkeyes want to push the pace. Expect both to see action early against Lipscomb.
McCollum's second season brings high expectations
The biggest storyline of the night may be how the new-look offense performs. McCollum's teams are known for tough defense and a methodical pace, but with new faces throughout the rotation, the offensive chemistry remains the open question as the season begins.
After an Elite 8 finish last March, expectations in Iowa City are higher than they have been in years. The opener against Lipscomb offers the first look at whether this rebuilt roster can keep the Hawkeyes competing at the top of the Big Ten.
Frequently asked questions
What time does Iowa basketball play Lipscomb?
The Hawkeyes and Bison tip off at 7 p.m. CT on Tuesday, Nov. 3, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City.
What channel is the Iowa vs. Lipscomb game on?
The game airs on the Big Ten Network and streams on the Big Ten Network App.
How did Iowa finish last season?
The Hawkeyes went 24-13 in Ben McCollum's first season and advanced to the NCAA Tournament Elite 8.