Iowa's McCollum, Stirtz lead unlikely Elite Eight run

Division II transfers have powered the Hawkeyes' surprise NCAA tournament success.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 1:00pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Ben McCollum and Bennett Stirtz, two former Division II players, have led the Iowa Hawkeyes on an unexpected run to the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA men's basketball tournament. Despite McCollum's fiery coaching style and Stirtz's calm demeanor, the duo have found a way to win together and advance further than anyone expected.

Why it matters

McCollum and Stirtz's journey from small-school obscurity to the brink of the Final Four is an inspiring underdog story that has captivated college basketball fans. Their success challenges the traditional path to the highest levels of the sport and shows that talent can be found in unexpected places.

The details

McCollum, the Hawkeyes' intense head coach, and Stirtz, their star player, have won NCAA tournament games in four straight seasons. This year's Elite Eight appearance is their deepest run yet. Despite facing a 10-point deficit early against Nebraska in the Sweet 16, McCollum rallied his team with an impassioned speech, leading to a comeback victory.

  • Iowa defeated Nebraska in the Sweet 16 on March 28, 2026.

The players

Ben McCollum

The fiery head coach of the Iowa Hawkeyes, known for his intense coaching style and ability to motivate his team.

Bennett Stirtz

The calm, stoic star player for the Iowa Hawkeyes, who has been a key part of their unexpected NCAA tournament run.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“He slammed his whiteboard and broke his marker on the hardwood floor. Ink everywhere. That's what he likes to do. He's the negative guy, and then our assistant coaches are the positive people. He was just telling us we sucked and we were soft.”

— Bennett Stirtz, Iowa player

“They were moving and cutting, and I didn't even know what was going on. So ... we called [the team] into the huddle and just said very nicely, 'I would like you to play harder, guys.'”

— Ben McCollum, Iowa head coach

What’s next

Iowa will face the winner of the Gonzaga-UCLA matchup in the Elite Eight on March 30, 2026, with a chance to advance to the Final Four.

The takeaway

McCollum and Stirtz's improbable journey from Division II obscurity to the Elite Eight of the NCAA tournament is a testament to the power of determination, coaching, and the ability to find talent in unexpected places. Their success challenges the traditional path to college basketball stardom and inspires hope for aspiring players and coaches everywhere.