Iowa Hawkeyes Make 'One Shining Moment' Appearance After Elite Eight Run

The Hawkeyes' deepest NCAA Tournament run in over a decade was captured in the annual video montage.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 5:21pm

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the dynamic action and energy of a basketball game, with sharp geometric shapes and planes of color representing the Iowa Hawkeyes and their tournament opponents.Iowa's thrilling NCAA Tournament run was captured in the annual 'One Shining Moment' highlight reel, a bittersweet moment of triumph and defeat.Today in Tampa

The Iowa Hawkeyes men's basketball team made an appearance in the annual 'One Shining Moment' video montage following the 2026 NCAA Tournament national championship game. Iowa's run to the Elite Eight, which included an upset victory over Florida in the second round, was highlighted in the roughly three-minute long production. While the Hawkeyes' defeat to Illinois in the Elite Eight was shown, their earlier win over Nebraska did not make the final cut.

Why it matters

Iowa's appearance in 'One Shining Moment' marks a return to relevance for the program, which had not advanced past the first weekend of the NCAA Tournament in over a decade prior to this season's breakthrough run. The exposure will help raise the profile of the team and the university.

The details

Iowa's memorable moment in 'One Shining Moment' came when forward Alvaro Folgueiras hit a late three-pointer to upset Florida and send the Hawkeyes to the Sweet 16. That shot was one of two Iowa highlights featured in the video, with the other being an emotional shot of Bennett Stirtz following the team's Elite Eight loss to Illinois.

  • Iowa defeated Florida 72-69 in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament on March 22, 2026.
  • Iowa lost to Illinois 65-62 in the Elite Eight on March 28, 2026.
  • 'One Shining Moment' aired following the national championship game on April 7, 2026.

The players

Alvaro Folgueiras

Iowa Hawkeyes forward who hit a late three-pointer to upset Florida in the NCAA Tournament.

Bennett Stirtz

Iowa Hawkeyes player shown emotionally following the team's Elite Eight loss to Illinois.

Braylon Mullins

UConn player who hit a memorable three-pointer to beat Duke in the NCAA Tournament.

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What they’re saying

“The Hawkeyes' defeat of Nebraska wasn't showcased, but those memories will always remain, regardless.”

— Author

“'One Shining Moment' is so Cheesy... But, it's also perfect for what it is.”

— Author

What’s next

Iowa will look to build on its Elite Eight run and make a deeper NCAA Tournament push in the coming seasons under head coach Ben McCullom.

The takeaway

Iowa's appearance in 'One Shining Moment' is a testament to the program's resurgence, as the Hawkeyes have returned to the national spotlight after over a decade of early NCAA Tournament exits. The exposure will help raise the team's profile and set the stage for future success.