The beauty of the annual NCAA March Madness Tournament lies in the unpredictability which plays out as the competition unfolds. In 2026, no team embodies the chaotic excitement of an underdog more than the Iowa basketball team. Entering the Elite Eight as a No. 9 seed, the Iowa Hawkeyes have transformed from an overlooked contender into the tournament’s defining Cinderella story.
Capturing national attention along the way as they’ve made a run fueled by a fearless belief and a talent for timely shooting, the Iowa basketball program is certainly a standout team of the 2025-2026 NCAA season. Here’s everything to know about their success in the March Madness competition so far, and what makes them a truly spectacular Cinderella story.
The Hawkeyes Are Underdogs No More With Grit-Fueled Upset Run
GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – MARCH 26: The Iowa Hawkeyes huddle up prior to the first half in the Sweet Sixteen against the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Toyota Center on March 26, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
Shocking the 2026 March Madness bracket, the Iowa Hawkeyes have proven themselves as a team that can power through adversity and turn the slightest bit of hope into a miraculous NCAA Tournament run. The Iowa basketball team’s journey to the Elite Eight round of the competition has been nothing short of remarkable, with the Hawkeyes stunning fans and commentators alike with an early upset win against the top-seeded University of Florida Gators in a game that was sealed with a last-second shot that has since become one of this year’s most iconic March Madness moments.
Following their victory against Florida, the Iowa basketball program advanced again in a continuation of success on the court that has defied expectations and knocked off higher-seeded opponents along the way in displays of talent and finesse which prove that their success isn’t a fluke. The Hawkeyes experienced a Sweet 16 victory over Nebraska in a 77-71 comeback win, simultaneously showcasing their resilience and ability to adapt as a cohesive team as they rallied from a double-digit deficit to punch their ticket to the next round of the NCAA Tournament.
At the Heart of Iowa’s Cinderella Story Success
GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – MARCH 26: Head coach Ben McCollum of the Iowa Hawkeyes reacts against the Nebraska Cornhuskers during the first half in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Toyota Center on March 26, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
As if their success going deeper into the tournament and upsetting brackets nationwide wasn’t enough to prove Iowa’s status as this year’s Cinderella Story, the team’s head coach is a representation of heart, drive, and grit entirely on his own. For first-year head coach Ben McCollum, his rapid impact on both the Hawkeyes and NCAA Division 1 men’s basketball has been one of the tournament’s most compelling storylines.
Known for his success at the Division II level of collegiate athletics, McCollum has proven that he can quickly become immersed in the chaotic fluidity of top level university sports and lead his team to consecutive shock victories.
The Iowa Hawkeyes will face off against Illinois in the Elite Eight round of the NCAA Tournament on Saturday, March 28, 2026 at 6:09 PM ET / 5:09 PM CT / 3:09 PM PT. For a full schedule of March Madness Elite Eight games and matchups, including how to watch on television and through streaming platforms, click here.
Iowa’s Cinderella Story Brings March Madness Magic to Life Ahead of Elite Eight Game Against Illinois