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
• .youtube.com/@CBSSportsCBB
• Watch CBS Sports HQ: 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: open.spotify.com/show/2vk8wq9lunf3agEif1kM8T
• Download and follow Eye on College Basketball & leave a 5⭐️ rating on Apple: 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: open.spotify.com/show/3t03SRmmslKzdQ5AtGlXiM
• Download and follow Inside College Basketball Now & leave a 5⭐️ rating on Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-college-basketball-now/id1823022867

📱FOLLOW
• Twitter: twitter.com/EyeOnCBBPodcast
• Instagram: instagram.com/cbssportscbb
• TikTok: tiktok.com/@cbssportscbb

▶︎Gary Parrish: twitter.com/GaryParrishCBS
▶︎Matt Norlander: twitter.com/MattNorlander
▶︎Jon Rothstein: x.com/JonRothstein

📖 READ
• More college basketball news: cbssports.com/college-basketball

🛍️SUPPORT
• Shop our merch: paramountshop.com/collections/eye-on-college-basketball

💵BETTING
• For everything CBS Sports Betting: cbssports.com/betting
• Find the best sportsbooks: cbssports.com/betting/news/best-betting-apps
• Get the latest sportsbook promos: cbssports.com/betting/news/sportsbook-promos

🎙ABOUT EYE ON COLLEGE BASKETBALL
CBS Sports’ official college basketball podcast is the most entertaining and informative of its kind. Gary Parrish and Matt Norlander bring the sport into your ears at least three times per week with commentary, reporting, insider information and statistical analysis throughout college basketball all year long.

🎙ABOUT INSIDE COLLEGE BASKETBALL NOW
We're also the home for Inside College Basketball Now, hosted by Jon Rothstein. Known for his unmatched insider knowledge, bold takes, and relentless coverage, Rothstein goes deep to deliver what’s really happening in college hoops. From breaking down the biggest storylines to in-depth interviews with the top coaches in the country, this podcast is your all-access pass to the pulse of the game — 365 days a year. This. Is. March… and everything in between.