Full Breakdown
Iowa State Cyclones and NC State Wolfpack: Preseason Rankings and Expectations for 2025-26
10/30/2025, 4:56:03 AM
Iowa State Cyclones' Preseason Standing
The Iowa State Cyclones have been positioned as a strong contender in men's college basketball for the upcoming 2025-26 season, currently ranked No. 16 in the Preseason AP Poll. According to college basketball insider Jon Rothstein, the Cyclones are among nine teams from the Big 12 Conference projected to make the NCAA Tournament. Rothstein has placed Iowa State as one of the top 16 seeds, specifically on the four-line alongside Arizona, the Louisville Cardinals, and the Auburn Tigers.
Iowa State's schedule includes challenging matchups against notable teams such as the Purdue Boilermakers, Mississippi State Bulldogs, and in-state rivals, the Iowa Hawkeyes. The Cyclones will need to navigate a competitive Big 12, which features other championship contenders like the Houston Cougars, Texas Tech Red Raiders, and Kansas Jayhawks. Coach T.J. Otzelberger's squad benefits from a significant return of minutes and points, particularly if point guard Tamin Lipsey can maintain his health throughout the season.
NC State Wolfpack's Preseason Outlook
In contrast, the NC State Wolfpack enters the season ranked No. 33 in Kevin Sweeney's Complete College Basketball Rankings. This ranking places them just outside the elite tier of college basketball programs. Under new head coach Will Wade, the Wolfpack aims to reclaim its former glory, having previously experienced a notable Final Four run in 2024. The team features a roster primarily composed of transfers, which has led to uncertainty regarding their performance.
Sweeney highlighted the potential of young guards Paul McNeil and Matt Able, suggesting that their development could be crucial for the team's success. Despite being ranked fifth among ACC programs, trailing North Carolina, Virginia, Louisville, and Duke, the Wolfpack's confidence is bolstered by their exhibition win against South Carolina, where they showcased their competitive spirit.
Official Statements & Responses
Jon Rothstein has emphasized the strength of the Big 12, noting that it is arguably the best conference in men's college basketball this season. He remarked, "At least one Big 12 team is featured on each of the top seed lines in the early projections." Meanwhile, Will Wade expressed optimism about NC State's potential, stating, "This team is ready to compete right away."
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the optimism surrounding both teams, there are concerns regarding their respective rankings. Critics argue that Iowa State's position may be inflated given the competitive nature of the Big 12, while NC State's reliance on transfers raises questions about team cohesion and performance consistency. Some analysts believe that the Wolfpack's ranking reflects more of the unknown than the known, as they have yet to establish a solid identity under Wade.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Iowa State is certainly going to have its work cut out for it throughout the campaign.” — Kenneth Teape, Sports Journalist
- “This ranking is just more fuel for Wade's fire to make that happen.” — Tucker Sennett, Sports Journalist
What's Next
As the season approaches, both teams will look to solidify their standings through a series of exhibition games and early-season matchups. Iowa State's performance against top-ranked opponents will be critical in establishing their NCAA Tournament credentials, while NC State will aim to build momentum under Wade's leadership.
