Iowa State Cyclones: Battle-Tested for March Madness

0:00On March 17th, the Iowa State Cyclones are riding high in the 2025-26 men's college basketball season as true national title, contenders. As the number two seed in the Midwest region, they have a favorable path in the NCAA tournament that sets them up for a potential deep run. What stands out most is their wealth of experience. Every player in the rotation, except the freshmen, has suited up in at least one NCAA tournament game, giving them a real edge amid all the roster. Changes in college hoops these days. Coach T.J. Ozzelberger points to that veteran leadership as crucial, especially in March, where urgency from upper-classmen shows up in practices and film sessions. Senior point guard, Tom and Lipsy anchors the back court, with teammate Milan-Moms Lovic also, a multi-year tournament vet. Others like Joshua Jefferson, Nate Heiss, and Blake Buchanan bring their own tournament or postseason know-how, creating a battle-tested core. Freshman guards, Killian Torrey, and Jermarian Bateman, plus Bigman, Dominica's Pleta, round

1:05out the group. If they step up, Iowa State could go all the way in March, Madness.