Iowa State Star Forward Out Against Tennessee

All-American Joshua Jefferson will miss Sweet 16 matchup due to ankle injury.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 1:20am

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Iowa State's star power forward Joshua Jefferson will not play in the Sweet 16 matchup against Tennessee on Friday night due to an ankle injury suffered in the Cyclones' opening round win over Tennessee State. Jefferson, an AP Second Team All-American this season, has missed Iowa State's last two NCAA Tournament games and was listed as questionable before being ruled out.

Why it matters

Jefferson is the most important player on Iowa State's team, averaging 16.4 points, 7.4 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game this season. His absence will be a major blow for the Cyclones as they take on Tennessee in the Sweet 16.

The details

Jefferson suffered the ankle injury in Iowa State's blowout win over Tennessee State in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament. He missed the Cyclones' 82-63 victory over Kentucky in the Round of 32 and was using a scooter during that game. Jefferson told the media on Thursday that he had yet to practice this week, making it unlikely he would be able to play significant minutes against Tennessee.

  • Jefferson suffered the ankle injury in Iowa State's opening round win over Tennessee State.
  • He missed the Cyclones' Round of 32 game against Kentucky.
  • Jefferson said on Thursday that he had yet to practice this week.

The players

Joshua Jefferson

Iowa State's star power forward and AP Second Team All-American this season, averaging 16.4 points, 7.4 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game.

Tamin Lipsey

Iowa State's star point guard, averaging 13.3 points and 5.1 assists per game.

Milan Momcilovic

Iowa State's star forward, averaging 17.9 points per game on 49% shooting from three-point range.

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What they’re saying

“'Still a good amount of pain. But if I can just play though hurt then I can play through hurt.'”

— Joshua Jefferson, Iowa State Forward

What’s next

Without Jefferson, Lipsey and Momcilovic will need to step up for Iowa State against Tennessee. The Cyclones are currently 3.5-point underdogs, but KenPom predicts them to earn a 71-67 victory.

The takeaway

Jefferson's absence is a major blow for Iowa State, as he is the team's most important player. The Cyclones will need other stars like Lipsey and Momcilovic to step up in a big way if they want to advance to the Elite Eight.