No. 8 Iowa State Looks to Veteran Leadership Ahead of Colorado Matchup

Senior forward Joshua Jefferson's vocal presence has been key for the Cyclones' hot start to the season.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 4:39pm

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The eighth-ranked Iowa State Cyclones (18-2, 5-2 Big 12) are off to their best start in school history, and veteran forward Joshua Jefferson's leadership has been a driving force behind their success. Jefferson, who is averaging 17.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.6 steals per game, has become a vocal leader for the team, speaking up when discipline and attention to detail have slipped. Along with point guard Tamin Lipsey and defensive stopper Nate Heise, Jefferson has helped set the tone for the Cyclones as they prepare to host the struggling Colorado Buffaloes (12-8, 2-5) on Thursday.

Why it matters

Iowa State's hot start has put them in contention for a high NCAA Tournament seed, and Jefferson's leadership will be crucial as they navigate the highly competitive Big 12 conference schedule. The Cyclones have already suffered two conference losses, and they'll need to maintain their focus and intensity to fend off challenges from talented teams like Colorado.

The details

Jefferson, a 6-9 senior, has been outspoken in practice and behind the scenes, pushing his teammates to maintain the discipline and attention to detail that have been the foundation of Iowa State's success. After dropping two straight road games, the Cyclones have regained their sense of urgency and are determined to keep their momentum going against a Colorado team that has lost five straight Big 12 games, despite playing tough against ranked opponents like Texas Tech and Kansas.

  • The Cyclones (18-2, 5-2 Big 12) are off to their best start in school history entering Thursday's 6 p.m. game against Colorado (12-8, 2-5).
  • Iowa State suffered two conference losses on the road against Kansas and Cincinnati.

The players

Joshua Jefferson

A 6-9 senior forward for Iowa State who is the only player in the country averaging at least 17.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.6 steals per game. He has emerged as a vocal leader for the Cyclones, pushing his teammates to maintain their focus and discipline.

Tamin Lipsey

Iowa State's starting point guard and a key part of the team's leadership core alongside Joshua Jefferson.

Nate Heise

A senior defensive stopper for the Cyclones who, along with Jefferson and Lipsey, has helped set the tone for Iowa State's strong start to the season.

T.J. Otzelberger

The head coach of the Iowa State Cyclones, who has praised Jefferson's leadership and the team's commitment to playing with discipline and attention to detail.

Blake Buchanan

A frontcourt teammate of Joshua Jefferson who joined the Cyclones' program this summer.

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What they’re saying

“I think sometimes I just struggle showing it (on the court) as much as people would like, but I just think that's who I am. I'm showing a lot of energy in practice. I'm being vocal. I'm having fun. So as long as we're having fun, this is gonna be good.”

— Joshua Jefferson, Senior Forward

“We've got a lot in front of us. We're continuing to get better. It's gonna be a really big challenge ahead, not just the Colorado game, but Big 12 Conference play for the final 11 games of the season.”

— T.J. Otzelberger, Head Coach

What’s next

The Cyclones will look to continue their strong start to the season when they host the Colorado Buffaloes on Thursday, January 30th at 6 p.m. CST.

The takeaway

Joshua Jefferson's vocal leadership has been a key factor in Iowa State's impressive start, as the veteran forward has pushed his teammates to maintain the discipline and attention to detail that have been the foundation of the Cyclones' success. With the highly competitive Big 12 conference schedule ahead, Iowa State will need Jefferson's steadying presence to navigate the challenges and secure a high NCAA Tournament seed.