Iowa Must Change Starting Lineup vs. Nebraska

Head coach Ben McCollum considers defensive changes to avoid another loss against a top-10 opponent.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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The Iowa Hawkeyes have struggled in their final seven games, dropping a disappointing loss to Maryland and then a blowout defeat against No. 13 Purdue. Now, they face another top-10 opponent in No. 9 Nebraska, and head coach Ben McCollum is considering changes to the starting lineup to try and get the team off to a better start defensively, even if it means sacrificing some offense.

Why it matters

Iowa's struggles down the stretch have put their NCAA Tournament hopes in jeopardy, and they need to find a way to get back on track before their regular season finale against Nebraska, which could have major seeding implications for the Big Ten Tournament.

The details

McCollum played 11 players against Purdue, a staggering amount that hasn't been seen much this season. Of the six players that came in off the bench, five of them recorded at least nine minutes with Alvaro Folgueiras and Isaia Howard logging 26. McCollum said the "defensive lineup" has worked well for Iowa this season in terms of holding opponents under their team averages, but the offense has struggled to get going as a result.

  • Iowa will end their season in Lincoln for their second meeting with the Cornhuskers in less than a month on February 17, 2026.
  • The game against Nebraska could be huge for seeding purposes in the Big Ten Tournament.

The players

Ben McCollum

First-year head coach of the Iowa Hawkeyes who is considering changes to the starting lineup to try and improve the team's defensive performance.

Alvaro Folgueiras

Iowa player who logged 26 minutes off the bench in the loss to Purdue.

Isaia Howard

Iowa player who logged 26 minutes off the bench in the loss to Purdue.

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What they’re saying

“It's probably more of a defensive lineup to start and we do get stops with that lineup. But we just don't score and so then you're slow starting every time.”

— Ben McCollum, Head Coach (Twitter (@Tyler_T15)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.