Iowa State Basketball 2025–2026 Season Preview: Projected starting lineup, impact players and rotation

After a 25-win season and a second-round NCAA Tournament exit last year, Iowa State is primed for another big season in 2025-26. The Cyclones return several key players and have added some intriguing prospects to around them. Here's an early look at Iowa State's upcoming 2025-26 season.

Iowa State basketball season preview for 2025-26

Returning All-Big 12 forward Joshua Jefferson could be a big deal for Iowa State next season. (Photo Credit: IMAGN)

Starting Lineup

Guard: Tamin Lipsey

A two-time All-Big 12 point guard, Lipsey is a big component of future plans. His 2024-25 season wasn't his best, as he averaged 10.6 points and 3.1 assists per game, down from 12.4 and 4.9 the year before. He's also great defensively, having finished third, first and fourth in steals in the Big 12 in his three seasons. Lipsey is certainly worth watching.

Guard: Nate Heise

Heise will have a sixth season of college eligibility. He transferred over from Northern Iowa before last season. Heise averaged 5.1 points and 3.2 boards per game last year. He also shot 41% from 3-point range. He could end up losing the starting nod to one of the transfers or freshmen behind him, but he's an experienced shooter.

Forward: Joshua Jefferson

A transfer from St. Mary's ahead of last season, Jefferson was an All-Big 12 pick. The 6-foot-8 forward averaged 13 points and 7.4 boards per gmae. He's a multi-level scorer who also finished third in the Big 12 in steals last year. Jefferson will be one of the league's best returning players and the ceiling for his talent remains high.

Forward: Milan Momcilovic

A two-year starter at Iowa State, Momcilovic averaged 11.5 points and 3.3 rebounds per game last year. He also shot 40% from 3-point range, which combines nicely with his 6-foot-8 height. With two elite Big 12 returnees, Momcilovic is a talented third wheel for a tough Cyclones team.

Forward: Blake Buchanan

A 6-foot-11 transfer from Virginia, Buchanan averaged 5.4 points and 5.3 rebounds per game last year. Buchanan is an excellent shot blocker and was steadily assuming a larger role at UVA. He's not the most exciting player in the world but on a team with multiple established scoring threats, he feels like the best option as a complementary player down low.

Rotation Players

Transfer guards Dominick Nelson (Utah Valley) and Mason Williams (Eastern Washington) were both standouts at lower levels of competition, albeit without consistent perimeter skills. Both will see time, but they'll see more if they start canning 3-pointers. Big forward Eric Mulder from Indiana-Fort Wayne can help off the bench. Freshmen will help too, with guard Jamarion Bateman foremost.

Impact Players

Lipsey is a significant advantage for the Cyclones as an elite returning point guard. That said, Jefferson might be the single most important player. If he can build off his solid work from a year ago, Iowa State could be elite in the Big 12. In any case, it's an intriguing team that is loaded with significant returnees. Iowa State could have a big season on tap.

What do you think of Iowa State's upcoming squad? Share your take below in our comments section!