Iowa State Star Audi Crooks Enters Transfer Portal

The junior center is leaving the Cyclones after three standout seasons.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 10:12pm

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the dynamic movements and energy of a basketball game, with sharp geometric shapes in vibrant colors representing the action on the court.The departure of star center Audi Crooks leaves a gaping hole in the Iowa State women's basketball lineup, creating an opportunity for another program to add one of the nation's most dominant post players.Algona Today

Audi Crooks, the star junior center for the Iowa State women's basketball team, has announced that she is entering the transfer portal and will play her final season of college basketball elsewhere. Crooks was the second-leading scorer in the nation this past season, averaging 25.8 points per game, and has established herself as one of the most efficient inside scorers in the history of the Big 12 conference.

Why it matters

Crooks' decision to transfer is a major blow to the Iowa State program, as she was the centerpiece of their team and one of the most recognizable players in women's college basketball. Her departure, along with 10 other Cyclone players entering the portal, signals a major roster overhaul for Iowa State. Crooks will be one of the most sought-after transfers this offseason, with several top programs expected to pursue the All-American center.

The details

Over her three seasons at Iowa State, the 6-foot-3 Crooks has averaged 22.8 points and 61.1% shooting from the field, establishing herself as one of the most dominant post players in the country. She scored 40 points or more in a game four times this past season and has been a three-time All-Big 12 selection and two-time All-American. Despite Crooks' individual success, Iowa State has underachieved as a team, failing to advance past the first round of the NCAA Tournament in her three seasons.

  • Crooks announced her decision to enter the transfer portal on Thursday, April 2, 2026.
  • The transfer portal officially opens the day after the national championship game on Monday, April 6, 2026.

The players

Audi Crooks

A 6-foot-3 junior center who was the second-leading scorer in the nation this past season, averaging 25.8 points per game for Iowa State.

Bill Fennelly

The head coach of the Iowa State women's basketball team, who has led the Cyclones for the past three seasons that Crooks has played for the program.

Jennie Baranczyk

The head coach of the Oklahoma Sooners women's basketball team, who previously served as an assistant coach for the USA Basketball team that Crooks played for.

Niele Ivey

The head coach of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish women's basketball team, who led the program to its first-ever Elite Eight appearance this past season.

Brenda Frese

The head coach of the Maryland Terrapins women's basketball team, who has a reputation for developing post players that succeed at the professional level.

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What they’re saying

“Audi Crooks is easily the best player that plans to enter the portal, and perhaps the most exciting player to watch in the country.”

— Mitchell Northam, Author

What’s next

Crooks will officially enter the transfer portal on April 6, 2026, when it opens. Several top programs, including Oklahoma, Notre Dame, Maryland, and Iowa, are expected to pursue the star center.

The takeaway

Crooks' decision to transfer from Iowa State is a major loss for the Cyclones, but it also presents an opportunity for another top program to add one of the most dominant post players in the country. Her transfer will be one of the most closely watched storylines of the offseason as she looks to find a new home where she can compete for a national championship.