The future of Iowa State Cyclones men’s basketball continues to look bright under head coach T. J. Otzelberger, and that optimism is fueled in large part by an incoming freshman class that blends size, versatility, and long-term upside. As the Cyclones prepare for the 2026–27 season, this group of newcomers is expected to play a key role in sustaining the program’s rise as a consistent national contender.

Iowa State’s 2026 recruiting class has been widely viewed as one of the stronger groups in recent program history, marking the third Top-20 class in five cycles under Otzelberger.   This continued recruiting success reflects the staff’s ability to identify talent that fits the program’s identity—defensive toughness, versatility, and player development.

The class features four high school signees, headlined by frontcourt standouts and complemented by athletic perimeter players who add depth and flexibility to the roster.

Breaking Down the Newcomers

Jackson Kiss

Leading the group is power forward Jackson Kiss, a top five prospect out of the state of Utah.  

Kiss brings a modern skill set to the frontcourt. At around 6-foot-8, he combines size with mobility and two-way potential. Analysts have compared his upside to former Cyclone standout forwards due to his ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor.  

While still developing—having relatively limited high-level basketball experience—his ceiling is considered extremely high. His physical tools, defensive instincts, and emerging offensive game give Iowa State a potential difference-maker in the years ahead.

Dorian Rinaldo-Komlan

Joining Kiss in the frontcourt is Dorian Rinaldo-Komlan, another highly regarded big man. Like Kiss, he is considered a four-star caliber talent and projects as a key piece of Iowa State’s interior rotation.  

Rinaldo-Komlan provides size and physicality, addressing one of the program’s most important needs—frontcourt depth. His presence should allow the Cyclones to maintain their defensive identity while adding rebounding and rim protection.

Christian Wiggins

Wiggins gives Iowa State another high-level perimeter piece for the 2026 class. The 6-foot-4 guard out of Wayzata High School in Minesota is viewed as one of the top players in the midwest and the number 1 player in Minnesota for the 2026 by multiple recruting servies.

Wiggins checks nearly every box. He’s long, active defensively, and has the athletic profile Iowa State covets on the wing. Reddit reactions from college basketball fans even pointed out Iowa State’s growing collection of athletic defensive guards.

Yusef Gray Jr.

On the wing and in the backcourt, Iowa State adds Yusef Gray Jr. like Christian Wiggins, brings scoring ability and athleticism.

Gray, a shooting guard from Wisconsin, offers perimeter shooting and slashing ability, while Wiggins, a 6-foot-5 guard, adds size and versatility to the backcourt. These types of players are crucial in Otzelberger’s system, which relies on length, defensive pressure, and positionless basketball.

Immediate Impact vs. Long-Term Development

This freshman class arrives at a pivotal moment. Iowa State faces roster turnover due to graduating seniors and potential NBA departures, creating opportunities for newcomers to contribute early.  

While not every freshman will be expected to carry a heavy load right away, the frontcourt duo of Kiss and Rinaldo-Komlan could see early minutes simply due to positional need. Meanwhile, perimeter players like Gray and Wiggins may develop into key rotation pieces as they adjust to the college game.

My Final Thought

The addition of this freshman class reinforces Iowa State’s trajectory as a Big 12 contender and national threat. Otzelberger has built his program on a mix of transfer portal success and high school recruiting, and this group represents a strong foundation for the future.

With a blend of high-upside talent and immediate roster fit, Iowa State’s incoming freshmen are more than just developmental pieces—they are the next wave of Cyclones basketball. If even a couple of these players reach their projected potential, the program’s upward momentum should continue well into the coming seasons.