Iowa State's Audi Crooks, Top Scorer in Women's Basketball, Enters Transfer Portal

Cyclones star looks to maximize championship chances in final year of eligibility.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 3:10pm

Iowa State women's basketball standout Audi Crooks has entered the transfer portal after three seasons with the Cyclones. Crooks, the second-leading scorer in all of women's college basketball last season, will have one year of eligibility remaining as she seeks a new program that can help her compete for a national championship.

Why it matters

Crooks' decision to transfer is a significant blow to Iowa State, which has struggled to advance past the second round of the NCAA Tournament during her tenure. As one of the top players in the country, her departure opens up a major hole in the Cyclones' lineup and raises questions about the program's ability to attract and retain elite talent.

The details

Crooks, a 6-foot-3 center, averaged 25.8 points and 7.7 rebounds per game for Iowa State last season. She has been a dominant force since arriving on campus, helping the Cyclones to three consecutive 20-win seasons. However, the team has failed to make a deep NCAA Tournament run, leading Crooks to explore other options for her final year of eligibility.

  • Crooks entered the transfer portal on April 2, 2026.
  • The transfer portal officially opens on April 6, 2026.

The players

Audi Crooks

A 6-foot-3 center and the second-leading scorer in women's college basketball, Crooks has spent the last three seasons at Iowa State.

Iowa State Cyclones

The women's basketball team at Iowa State University, which has gone 21-12, 23-12, and 22-10 during Crooks' tenure but has not advanced past the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

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What they’re saying

“With only one year of eligibility remaining, the assumption is that Crooks is transferring to maximize her chance at a national championship in her final year, though that has not been confirmed.”

— Teddy Ricketson, Author

What’s next

Crooks will officially enter the transfer portal on April 6, 2026, and is expected to receive interest from top programs across the country as she seeks a new home for her final season of college basketball.

The takeaway

Crooks' decision to transfer from Iowa State is a significant loss for the Cyclones, who have struggled to capitalize on her dominant individual performances. Her departure opens up a major void in their lineup and raises questions about the program's ability to retain elite talent. As one of the top players in the country, Crooks' transfer will be closely watched by the entire women's basketball community.