2025-2026 Winter Preview | Men's Basketball
Division I:
The ICCAC Division I men's basketball season is set to feature high-level competition once again, with three programs poised to battle for conference and national prominence. Each team — Indian Hills, Marshalltown, and Southeastern — enters the 2025-26 campaign with momentum, renewed talent, and postseason aspirations.
Indian Hills remains one of the premier programs in the country after another strong season that included a 27-6 record and a Midwest District Championship. The Warriors have made the NJCAA National Tournament in four straight seasons and are built for another run with a balanced roster featuring size, athleticism, and experience. With a winning culture firmly established, Indian Hills once again enters the season as the team to beat in Division I.
Southeastern reestablished itself as a regional power last year, finishing 21-11 and advancing to the Region 11 Championship game. The Blackhawks continue to set the standard for consistency, with another deep and athletic roster that thrives in transition and defends at a high level. After coming up just short of a title last season, Southeastern has its sights set on getting back to the championship stage — and this time finishing the job.
Marshalltown showed significant improvement a year ago, increasing its win total. The Tigers are trending in the right direction with a mix of returning contributors and a strong recruiting class that adds both size and speed. With clear progress over the past two seasons, Marshalltown looks ready to take another step forward and challenge the league's traditional powers.
The ICCAC Division I race promises to be as competitive as ever, with tradition-rich programs and emerging contenders all capable of making deep postseason runs. Each matchup will carry weight as Indian Hills, Southeastern, and Marshalltown battle for conference supremacy and a coveted spot in the national tournament.
ICCAC Division I Men's Basketball Preview
Division II:
The ICCAC Division II men's basketball season tips off with defending national champion Kirkwood once again at the top of the conversation. The Eagles finished 33-3 last year and captured the NJCAA title, and with several key contributors returning, they remain the favorite to repeat in a deep and talented Region 11.
Right behind them, DMACC looks to build on another strong year after finishing 29-5 and leading the conference in several statistical categories. The Bears will again feature one of the league's most balanced rosters as they aim to turn regular-season dominance into postseason success. Iowa Central, which fell just short in last year's Region 11 championship game, brings back experience and depth and should once again be a factor in the title race.
Ellsworth, which reached the Region 11 semifinals a season ago, will look to take another step forward with a roster full of experience and size. Iowa Western continues to reload after back-to-back postseason appearances, while Iowa Lakes enters the new season on the heels of a 19-win campaign and looks ready to challenge the upper tier of the standings.
NIACC continues to trend upward after several years of steady progress and will look to break into the top half of the conference. Northeast aims to climb the standings after back-to-back rebuilding seasons, while Southwestern is reshaping its lineup after adding new talent across the board.
Central begins its first full season in Region 11 and is eager to prove it belongs in one of the toughest Division II conferences in the country. Western Iowa Tech enters its third season as a program and continues to show growth each year, gaining confidence and experience with a competitive young roster.
Top to bottom, the ICCAC once again promises one of the most competitive landscapes in junior college basketball. With championship experience at the top and emerging programs throughout the league, the race for the Region 11 title should deliver intensity, depth, and drama from opening tip to tournament time.