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Iowa State's Otzelberger Named to Naismith Coach of the Year Watch List
No. 6 Cyclones to Face No. 23 BYU in Key Matchup
Published on Mar. 2, 2026
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Iowa State head coach T.J. Otzelberger has been named to the Werner Ladder Naismith Coach of the Year watch list, one of 15 coaches recognized. In his fifth season, Otzelberger has guided the 6th-ranked Cyclones to a 23-3 record, including the best start and longest winning streak in program history. The Cyclones will face No. 23 BYU on the road this Saturday.
Why it matters
Otzelberger's recognition as a top national coach highlights the continued success and growth of the Iowa State men's basketball program under his leadership. A win over BYU would further cement the Cyclones' status as an elite team in the country this season.
The details
Otzelberger, a finalist for the Naismith Coach of the Year award in 2024, has been named to the Top 15 watch list multiple times during his tenure in Ames. He has become the fastest coach in program history to reach 100 wins, doing so in just 145 games. Otzelberger's 118 victories through five seasons are the most by an Iowa State coach in that span and the most since Johnny Orr set the school record with 218 career wins in 1994.
- Otzelberger was named to the Naismith Coach of the Year watch list on February 20, 2026.
- No. 6 Iowa State will face No. 23 BYU on Saturday, February 22, 2026 at 9:30 p.m. CT.
The players
T.J. Otzelberger
The head coach of the Iowa State men's basketball team, who has led the Cyclones to a 23-3 record so far this season and has been recognized as one of the top coaches in the country.
Johnny Orr
The former Iowa State men's basketball coach who holds the school record for most career wins with 218.
What’s next
No. 6 Iowa State will face a tough road test against No. 23 BYU on Saturday, February 22nd. A win over the Cougars would further bolster the Cyclones' resume as an elite team in the country this season.
The takeaway
T.J. Otzelberger's recognition as a top national coach underscores the remarkable turnaround and sustained success of the Iowa State men's basketball program under his leadership. The Cyclones' matchup with BYU represents an opportunity to prove their status as one of the best teams in the nation.
