IOWA CITY, Iowa (Nov. 11, 2026) — Iowa women's basketball coach Jan Jensen met with reporters Wednesday to preview two big games for the Hawkeyes: an in-state battle with Northern Iowa on Thursday night and a Sunday date with No. 8 Vanderbilt in Sioux City. The Hawkeyes enter the stretch at 2-1 after a hard-fought 91-79 loss to UConn on Nov. 8.
According to Yahoo Sports, Jensen walked away from the UConn defeat encouraged by her team's fight, even if the result stung. The Hawkeyes outscored the Huskies 28-19 in the final quarter and trimmed a deficit that had grown to 27 points down to 10.
Jensen liked the fight against UConn
“I was disappointed that we didn't win,” Jensen said. “But I remain so encouraged and excited. We liked our beginning. We certainly liked the end. The middle, didn't like some of those things, but we had foul trouble. We were learning new things about our team, and I just love the fight. I think when you have fight and belief like that, there's a lot of good things that can happen.”
Iowa's quick pivot now turns to the Panthers, who visit Carver-Hawkeye Arena on Thursday, Nov. 12, at 7:30 p.m. The game airs on BTN, per the official Iowa Hawkeyes athletics site.
Why the UNI game is an emotional rivalry
Jensen noted that Iowa is unique among states with four Division I basketball programs: Iowa, Iowa State, UNI and Drake. When two of them meet, records go out the window.
“Anytime you play any of those guys, all rankings off, all bets off, the gloves are on,” Jensen said. “So we have a really emotional, intense rivalry game on Thursday.”
UNI comes in at 1-1, having beaten St Thomas in its opener before falling to South Dakota State. Jensen said the Panthers play a demanding style that will test her team's discipline.
“They just play so hard and they play a lot of 5-out,” Jensen said. “They run a lot of dribble-handoff ball screens. They read screens, read how you're playing it, and they'll cut you back door. They got good size.”
Jensen also flagged UNI guard Mya Nicholson as a player who can come off the bench and change the game.
Callie Levin returns to Iowa City
Thursday also brings a reunion. Former Hawkeye Callie Levin, who appeared in 29 games off the bench for Iowa over the last two seasons, transferred to UNI and will face her old team for the first time.
“I think the world of Callie,” Jensen said. “On tape, you see that fire; she plays so hard.”
Jensen said the UNI staff is getting all the “great strengths” out of Levin, and that the guard remains close with several current Hawkeyes. “I think there's a mutual respect,” Jensen said. “I'm sure it'll be weird for her coming here.”
No. 8 Vanderbilt awaits on Sunday
After the in-state tussle, the schedule only gets tougher. Iowa faces No. 8 Vanderbilt on Sunday, Nov. 15, at the Tyson Events Center in Sioux City, a matchup KCAU 9 News highlighted as one of the weekend's marquee games in the state.
The Commodores are 3-0 and have scored 100 points or more in every game this season. Vanderbilt played Western Kentucky on Wednesday, Nov. 11.
“They have a great point guard in (Aubrey) Galvan,” Jensen said. “The nation's leading scorer in (Mikayla) Blakes, and they picked up a post player from Georgia. So it'll be fun to prepare for that.”
Vanderbilt is the second top-10 opponent on Iowa's non-conference schedule, following UConn. Jensen called it a very fun matchup and another early measuring stick for a young team still learning its identity, as On3 reported in its coverage of Jensen's Wednesday press conference.
Jensen announces 2027 signees
With the signing window now open, Jensen spoke publicly for the first time about two 2027 recruits who signed with the Hawkeyes on Wednesday: guard Jada Seubert of Wisconsin and 6-foot-5 center Khalia Hartwell of South Carolina.
“Jada has been committed for a while, but she's going to be just a great addition,” Jensen said. “She's exactly the type of guard that I love. She can get to the rim. She's got a beautiful pull-up. Her 3-ball continues to improve and improve, but she's got a little moxie about her. She doesn't shy away from a fight.”
Jensen added: “Hawkeye fans are going to love her.”
On Hartwell, Jensen said the center is “every bit of 6-5 and as athletic.”
“I am so pumped about Khalia Hartwell,” Jensen said. “She has, in my opinion, incredible potential.”
FAQ
When does Iowa women's basketball play UNI?
Iowa hosts Northern Iowa on Thursday, Nov. 12, at 7:30 p.m. CT at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. The game will air on BTN.
Where does Iowa play Vanderbilt?
Iowa faces No. 8 Vanderbilt on Sunday, Nov. 15, at the Tyson Events Center in Sioux City.
What is Iowa women's basketball's record?
The Hawkeyes are 2-1 after beating their first two opponents and falling to UConn 91-79 on Nov. 8.