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10 players from Iowa basketball's Elite 8 roster to return in 2026-27
TL;DR
Ten players from Iowa basketball's Elite Eight roster will return for the 2026-27 season, including starters Cam Manyawu and Jacob Koch. This announcement highlights the team's continuity and potential for future success.
Key points
- Ten players from Iowa's Elite Eight roster are returning.
- Cam Manyawu and Jacob Koch were starters last season.
- The announcement indicates strong team continuity.
Iowa HawkeyesCam ManyawuKael CombsTate Sage
IOWA CITY — Ten players from Iowa basketball's Elite Eight roster are returning to the program for the 2026-27 season.
The fact that this was announced is a sign of the times, but notable nonetheless.
The following players will return to Iowa next season: Cam Manyawu, Kael Combs, Tate Sage, Cooper Koch, Isaia Howard, Trey Thompson, Trevin Jirak, Joey Matteoni, Peyton McCollum and Jacob Koch.
Manyawu and Koch each started every game for the Hawkeyes last season. Combs started the final 33. Howard, who mostly came off the bench, was part of Iowa's regular rotation. Tate Sage, who emerged as a true freshman, was an integral member of the Hawkeyes' reserve unit. Jirak, the 2025 Iowa Mr. Basketball winner, had a more limited role, but still possesses potential. There are high hopes for Trey Thompson, a former four-star recruit, who redshirted last season.
It was especially crucial to keep foundational pieces like Thompson, Sage, Koch and Jirak, each of whom has at least three seasons of eligibility remaining. That young nucleus is part of the reason why there is optimism about the future of the program.
To have ten players return to a program is an impressive showing of retention in this day and age.
Q&A
Which players from Iowa basketball's Elite 8 roster are returning in 2026-27?
The returning players include Cam Manyawu, Kael Combs, Tate Sage, Cooper Koch, Isaia Howard, Trey Thompson, Trevin Jirak, Joey Matteoni, Peyton McCollum, and Jacob Koch.
What roles did the returning players have on Iowa basketball's Elite 8 team?
Cam Manyawu and Jacob Koch started every game, while Kael Combs started the final 33 games. Other players like Isaia Howard and Tate Sage contributed significantly in various roles.
What does the return of these players mean for Iowa basketball's future?
The return of ten key players suggests strong continuity for the program, potentially enhancing their competitiveness in the upcoming season.
