Iowa State Basketball Freshman Coming Back for Sophomore Year

Xzavion Mitchell will return to the Cyclones after an injury-plagued freshman campaign.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 12:00am

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Despite significant roster turnover, the Iowa State Cyclones will have some key returning players for the 2026-27 season, including freshman Xzavion Mitchell. Mitchell, a former top-100 recruit, missed most of his first year due to injuries but will look to earn playing time in a crowded backcourt rotation next season.

Why it matters

Mitchell's return provides continuity for an Iowa State team that is losing a lot of experience and production from its 2025-26 roster. If healthy, Mitchell could be a valuable contributor for the Cyclones as they look to reload for the upcoming season.

The details

Xzavion Mitchell, a 6-foot-6, 215-pound wing from Oshkosh, Wisconsin, was a top-100 recruit in the Class of 2025 but saw limited action as a freshman due to injuries. He appeared in only seven games and did not play after logging two minutes against Long Beach State on Dec. 21, 2025. Despite the roster turnover, Mitchell has decided to return to Iowa State for his sophomore season, where he will compete for playing time in a crowded backcourt rotation that includes fellow returnee Jamarion Batemon as well as transfers Leon Bond III and Ryan Prather Jr.

  • Mitchell announced his decision to return for his sophomore season on April 15, 2026.
  • He appeared in only seven games as a freshman, with his last appearance coming on Dec. 21, 2025.

The players

Xzavion Mitchell

A 6-foot-6, 215-pound wing from Oshkosh, Wisconsin, who was a top-100 recruit in the Class of 2025 but saw limited action as a freshman due to injuries.

Jamarion Batemon

A returning rotation player for the Cyclones who will compete with Mitchell for playing time in the backcourt.

Leon Bond III

A transfer from Northern Iowa who will join the Cyclones' crowded backcourt rotation.

Ryan Prather Jr.

A transfer from Robert Morris who will also be competing for minutes in Iowa State's backcourt.

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What they’re saying

“Betting on me!”

— Xzavion Mitchell

What’s next

Mitchell will look to earn a spot in Iowa State's rotation during the offseason and preseason as the Cyclones prepare for the 2026-27 campaign.

The takeaway

Mitchell's return provides a glimmer of hope for an Iowa State team that is losing a significant amount of experience and production from last season. If he can stay healthy and earn playing time, Mitchell could be a valuable contributor for the Cyclones as they look to reload for the upcoming year.