Lipsey’s Fifth Season Could Reshape Iowa State’s 2026-27 Outlook
Tamin Lipsey’s potential return via the 5-in-5 rules would fill the void left by Killyan Toure’s long injury.
Key points
- Tamin Lipsey is pursuing a fifth season of eligibility through a lawsuit under the new 5-in-5 rules.
- Lipsey’s return would replace the injured Killyan Toure, who is sidelined until mid-January due to a shoulder surgery.
- Iowa State lost its Big 3 of Lipsey, Jefferson, and Momcilovic, making Lipsey’s potential return a major tactical boost.
The hardwood in Ames is set to shift as Iowa State prepares for a roster overhaul. The departure of the Big 3, including Joshua Jefferson and Milan Momcilovic, left a void that head coach T.J. Otzelberger has been filling with new talent. But one figure remains in the equation, hovering between the NBA and the college court. Tamin Lipsey, the point guard who anchored the Cyclones for four years, is navigating a legal path that could bring him back to the starting lineup.
Lipsey’s status hinges on the new 5-in-5 eligibility rules. He joined a lawsuit in Indiana seeking an extra year of college play, a move made possible because he never signed his Exhibit 10 contract with the Indiana Pacers. If the legal maneuver succeeds, the Ames native would return to a team already dealing with significant losses, specifically the long-term absence of sophomore guard Killyan Toure.
Legal Pathway Opens Door
The mechanics of this return are specific and procedural. Lipsey’s decision to withhold his signature from the Pacers deal creates a window for him to pursue additional eligibility. This is not a simple transfer; it is a strategic legal challenge under the updated NCAA rules. As reported by Sports Illustrated, this action places him in a unique position where his NBA career is on pause, but his college career may extend into a fifth season.
This move is critical for the Cyclones' immediate future. With the Big 12 season approaching, the team needs a proven leader at the point of attack. Lipsey’s potential return would provide immediate stability, allowing the roster to function as a cohesive unit rather than a collection of newcomers learning the system. The timeline is tight, but the impact would be immediate.
Defensive Anchor Returns to Floor
Lipsey is not just a scorer; he is a defensive architect. Entering the 2025-26 season, he was widely regarded as the best point-of-attack defender in college basketball. That tenacity is a tangible asset. In four seasons, he started all 137 games he played, a streak that speaks to his reliability and physical durability. His presence on the floor changes the team's energy, providing a defensive identity that new recruits like Jaquan Johnson can emulate.
His statistical footprint is deep. An All-Big 12 performer three times, Lipsey helped guide Iowa State to the NCAA tournament in all four years. In the last three seasons alone, the team won 83 games. That consistency suggests that his return would not just be a novelty, but a structural improvement to the team's ceiling and floor. He raises the standard for every possession, every defensive rotation, and every offensive pick-and-roll.
Mitigating Toure’s Injury Impact
The urgency of this potential return is driven by Killyan Toure’s health. A shoulder injury requiring surgery will sideline the sophomore guard until mid-to-late January. This means the Cyclones will be without a key rotation piece for the entire non-conference schedule and the start of the Big 12 slate. The loss is significant, as Toure is projected to be a major offensive contributor.
Without Toure, the offense risks stagnation. However, inserting Lipsey into the starting point guard spot offers a direct solution. He is a proven playmaker who has managed this team before. His return would lessen the blow of Toure’s absence, providing a familiar hand to guide the younger players. It transforms a potential crisis into a manageable challenge, allowing Iowa State to maintain its ranking streak, which currently stands at 52 weeks.
