McCollum’s Year 1 at Iowa + Portal, Practice Culture, Replacing Stirtz (w/Zach Schneider) | WUW 682

In this episode of Washed Up Walkons, host Chris welcomes back Zach Schneider, former player and associate head coach under Ben McCollum at Northwest Missouri State, to break down McCollum's historic first year as head coach of the Iowa Hawkeyes men's basketball team. Zach provides an insider’s perspective on McCollum’s culture-driven coaching philosophy, emphasizing consistency, emotional intelligence, and player development over flashy X's and O's. He reflects on McCollum’s journey from a mid-tier D2 program to leading a Big Ten powerhouse, highlighting the remarkable 2025-26 season that culminated in an Elite Eight run—something Iowa hadn’t achieved since 1999. The conversation explores how McCollum adapted his system to the Big Ten, the challenges of replacing key players like Sturtz and Bennett, and the importance of building a roster with elite defensive identity, physicality, and depth. Zach also discusses the cultural impact of the season on Iowa fans, the program’s future trajectory, and McCollum’s ability to elevate his team in high-pressure moments. The episode closes with optimistic predictions for Iowa basketball’s long-term success, including potential Final Fours and sustained national relevance. Key takeaways include: McCollum’s success stems from culture and consistency, not just strategy; the 2025-26 season was a landmark year for Iowa basketball, restoring fan excitement; the team needs a true five and a playmaking guard to sustain success; McCollum’s ability to elevate performance in March is a critical coaching edge; and long-term expectations should focus on top-third Big Ten finishes rather than annual Elite Eight runs. The episode underscores that McCollum has not only transformed the program but reignited a dormant fanbase with a singular, unforgettable March run.