If you’ve spent any time on the corner of the internet where people argue about Big 12 hoops, you’ve probably heard the same thing a thousand times: T.J. Otzelberger only wins because he find guys who "play hard." It’s a backhanded compliment. People look at the way Iowa State hounded Purdue in that road win back in December or how they basically live in the jersey of opposing point guards and assume the roster is just a collection of high-motor role players.
That’s a mistake. A massive one.
The reality? Iowa State is currently sitting on some of the most purely talented classes in school history. We aren't just talking about "glue guys" anymore. We're talking about legitimate, high-ceiling NBA prospects who happen to also be willing to dive for loose balls until their knees bleed.
Why the 2025 Class Is Actually the Benchmark
When the 2025 signings became official, it wasn't just another recruiting cycle. It was the highest-rated class in the modern era of the program. Period. Ranked as high as No. 8 nationally by 247Sports and Rivals, this group is basically a love letter to the state of Wisconsin, which has become the Cyclones' secondary home.
Jamarion Batemon is the headliner. If you haven't watched him yet, just imagine a 6-foot-3 guard who thinks he's in range the second he steps off the bus. He averaged 22.2 points on the Adidas 3SSB circuit. Honestly, his shooting is elite, but Otzelberger loves him because he actually wants to guard the ball full-court.
Then there’s Xzavion Mitchell. He’s a 6-6 forward who just finished a high school career at Oshkosh North where he scored over 2,800 points. That’s third all-time in Wisconsin history. He’s not a traditional "big" and he’s not a "small" forward. He’s a mismatch. He won the Nike EYBL Session II MVP by averaging 28 points a game. That’s not "playing hard"—that’s being better than everyone else on the floor.
The rest of the 2025 haul:
- Macari Moore: A physical, downhill guard from Michigan who hit the 1,000-point mark in high school.
- Killyan Toure: The latest find from Brewster Academy via France. He was the Defensive MVP at Basketball Without Borders Europe.
- Dominykas Pleta: A 6-9 German forward who joined the rotation early in 2025 and is already eating up meaningful minutes.
The 2026 Class: Building on the Momentum
By the time November 2025 rolled around, Otzelberger proved the 2025 class wasn't a fluke. The 2026 class, which signed a few months ago, is another Top 20 group. It’s a bit different in terms of personnel, focusing more on size and international versatility.
Jackson Kiss is the name you need to circle. He’s 6-8, from Auckland, New Zealand, and playing at Utah Prep. Some scouts are already comparing his two-way impact to Joshua Jefferson. That’s high praise, especially considering Jefferson just dropped a triple-double against West Virginia recently. Kiss led New Zealand to a fourth-place finish in the FIBA U17 World Cup. He’s a "high-motor" guy, sure, but he’s also comfortable with the ball in his hands making plays.
The 2026 group also features Christian Wiggins out of Minnesota. He’s a four-star guard who won a state title at Wayzata. He’s a winner. Sometimes his shooting efficiency fluctuates—which is why his ranking dipped a bit—but his defensive ceiling is ridiculous.
And don't overlook Dorian Rinaldo-Komlan. He’s 6-10, incredibly active, and came over from France to play at SPIRE Academy. He’s the type of disruptive defender that makes Otzelberger’s system look like a nightmare for opposing coaches.
What's Next for 2027 and the Transfer Portal?
Because the 2025-26 team is currently ranked No. 2 in the AP Poll and No. 3 in KenPom, the recruiting trail is wide open.
Right now, the big fish is Donovan Davis. He’s a four-star prospect for the 2027 class and is currently ranked as the No. 2 player in Wisconsin. He was just in Ames for a visit during the West Virginia game. He’s expected back in February for the Texas Tech game. Landing him would keep that Wisconsin-to-Ames pipeline flowing.
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On the transfer side, it’s been a wild January. While the football team saw a massive exodus after Matt Campbell left for Penn State, the basketball side has remained much more stable. However, with seniors like Tamin Lipsey and Joshua Jefferson eventually moving on, Otzelberger will likely look for one or two "proven" pieces in the portal this spring to bridge the gap while the freshman superstars develop.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're trying to keep track of where this program is headed, stop looking at the star ratings and start looking at the "fit."
- Watch the Wisconsin stats: If a kid is a top-3 player in Wisconsin, assume Iowa State is the favorite until proven otherwise.
- Track the international bigs: The staff is clearly pivoting toward versatile 6-8 to 6-10 guys who can switch (Kiss, Rinaldo-Komlan, Toure).
- The "Hilton Effect" is real for visits: Recruits like Donovan Davis are being brought in for high-stakes Big 12 games for a reason. The atmosphere is their best closing tool.
Iowa State isn't just a "tough" team anymore. They are becoming a "talented" team that happens to be tougher than you. That's a scary combination for the rest of the Big 12.
Next Steps:
Monitor the February visit of Donovan Davis during the Texas Tech game; a commitment there would solidify the 2027 foundation. Keep an eye on the 2025 freshmen in the upcoming Big 12 Tournament to see who has officially "arrived" in the rotation.