Iowa basketball fans, media reactions to Springfield exhibition
Although the 2026-27 Iowa basketball season doesn't officially begin until Nov. 3, the Hawkeyes still gave the student body and local fans an impressive showing in an 88-64 exhibition win against Illinois Springfield at Coralville's Xtream Arena on Tuesday, Oct. 27.
While the Prairie Stars were expectedly outmatched by the Hawkeyes, the exhibition gave fans and media a preview of what Iowa will look like in its second season under head coach Ben McCollum.
The Hawkeyes were led by guard Kael Combs' 13 points. Cooper Koch, Peyton McCollum and Trevin Jirak scored 10 points each. Iowa shot 52.8% from the field, 38.5% from 3-point territory and 64.7% from the free-throw line.
In their first action in the black and gold, transfer additions Ty'Reek Coleman and Andrew McKeever scored nine and two points, respectively. McKeever added a team-leading seven assists and two blocks. Twelve Hawkeyes scored in the win.
With the regular-season opener up next for the Hawkeyes, here's some of the best social media reactions from fans and media members to Iowa's win on Tuesday night:
Looks like some shirts will be given away tonight at Iowa’s basketball scrimmage pic.twitter.com/0Kf5Iianig
— Eliot Clough (@EliotClough) October 27, 2026
Iowa Basketball is BACK. Let’s have some fun this season
— David Eickholt (@DavidEickholt) October 27, 2026
Andrew McKeever blocks a shot that ends up in the Hyatt lobby.
— John Bohnenkamp (@johnbohnenkamp) October 27, 2026
The best thing I came away with is Jaidyn Coon was a hit in recruiting.
He's going to play a role on this team as a true freshman. pic.twitter.com/khbsnlA4Op
— Ben McCollum is my hero (@MountMcKeever) October 28, 2026
Andrew McKeever already showing defensive intensity and creative passing already. Brings a totally different look for this Hawkeye team.
— David Eickholt (@DavidEickholt) October 27, 2026
It sure looks like McCollum in the rotation is a thing. He's looked good tonight.
— FELTS (@Zhoops44) October 28, 2026
Niether of our giants can dunk so thats cool
— CircleHerk (@circleherk) October 27, 2026
JAIDYN COON DUNK ALERT ‼️ pic.twitter.com/i1ffF05FXQ
— Iowa Men's Basketball (@IowaHoops) October 28, 2026
Kael Combs has looked in control for the most part tonight when he's got the ball in his hands.
— Sean Bock (@SBock247) October 28, 2026
In all seriousness:
-I like Combs’ evolution as the straw that stirs this offense’s drink even more now
-The balanced scoring is a nice sight to see
-Height matters— Cody Hills (@ByCodyHills) October 28, 2026
😍 https://t.co/lkSWIW5p09pic.twitter.com/ahUlug2Etl
— Ben Stan (@HawkeyeBBFan) October 28, 2026
Three things to overreact to, and three things not to, from Iowa’s exhibition win:
Overreact:
• McKeever’s seven assists to one turnover. A 7’3” center with that kind of passing ability opens up a lot for McCollum’s offense.
• Koch and Sage combined to shoot 5-of-7 from…
— HawkHoops (@HawkHoops94) October 28, 2026
Between Iowa basketball starting and staying up to watch Bennett, I don’t think I’m going to get much sleep for a while
— Ali (@alisonh2006) October 29, 2026
Takeaways: Iowa 88 UIS 64
Focused more on the newcomers because we know what the returning roster is capable of. It was very clear to me the continuity of the game is absolutely 1000% not what a regular season game will entail which is why it felt choppy.
McKeever- the impact…
— Ben Stan (@HawkeyeBBFan) October 28, 2026
Iowa takes down Illinois Springfield, 88-64.
A lot of different lineups were used, and at times it looked like October basketball, but there's also a lot to build on for Ben McCollum's team. pic.twitter.com/Kw3DhySuey
— Sean Bock (@SBock247) October 28, 2026
Combs will be the man w/ ball in his hands & I like Coleman to eventually start w/ him, giving Iowa a dynamic 2-way backcourt who can both handle. Sage/Koch to stroke from the wings w/ McKeever dominating inside.
Cam/Howie/Coon kamikazes off bench, Jirak’s size/skill complements https://t.co/78f64liGSR
— Iowa Hoops Web (@iowahoopsweb) October 28, 2026
It was raining threes in @IowaHoops’ 88-64 exhibition win over Illinois Springfield ☔️ pic.twitter.com/Kl7f7utXJX
— Big Ten Men's Basketball (@B1GMBBall) October 28, 2026
Preseason dub ☑️
Iowa 88, Illinois Springfield 64 pic.twitter.com/x9f8WWJc1l
— Iowa Men's Basketball (@IowaHoops) October 28, 2026
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This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: Iowa basketball fans, media reactions to Springfield exhibition
