Ben McCollum on Iowa's Elite Eight Run & Building a Big Ten Contender

Ben McCollum joins Jon Rothstein after leading Iowa to an Elite Eight in his first season as head coach. McCollum reflects on the jump from the mid-major level at Drake to the Big Ten Conference, what surprised him most, and the defining moments from Iowa's remarkable tournament run.

The two also discuss building and retaining a roster in today's college basketball landscape, expectations for the Hawkeyes' 2026-27 roster, a challenging non-conference schedule, and what it will take to sustain success in Year 2.

(0:00) Ben McCollum

(0:50) Talent Difference

(1:45) Lack of Momentum

(2:45) Florida Upset

(3:46) Best Moments

(4:46) 2026 NCAA Tournament

(6:50) Bennett Stirtz

(7:20) Incoming Roster

(11:30) Upcoming Schedule

(13:25) Job Search

(14:30) Toughest Win/Loss

(15:55) Reflecting

(18:40) Developing a Program

(22:30) Keys to 2026-27

(23:03) Movie Character

🎥 WATCH

• Subscribe to this channel: https://www.youtube.com/@CBSSportsCBB

• Watch CBS Sports HQ: https://cbssports.com/live

• Watch CBS Sports Network on your TV or the CBS Sports App with your cable provider

🎧 LISTEN

• Stream and follow Eye on College Basketball & leave a 5⭐️ rating on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2vk8wq9lunf3agEif1kM8T?si=b4e091007c2545c6

• Download and follow Eye on College Basketball & leave a 5⭐️ rating on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/eye-on-college-basketball/id268800565

• Stream and follow Inside College Basketball Now with Jon Rothstein & leave a 5⭐️ rating on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3t03SRmmslKzdQ5AtGlXiM?si=9443b63851324a18

• Download and follow Inside College Basketball Now & leave a 5⭐️ rating on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-college-basketball-now/id1823022867

📱FOLLOW

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/EyeOnCBBPodcast

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cbssportscbb/

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cbssportscbb?lang=en