BREAKING IN!!! Buzz is Building Around Iowa Hawkeyes as Leading Contender to Land Both Chazadi Wright and Kayleigh Heckel — A Program-Altering Shift in Women’s College Basketball
In a dramatic surge of recruiting buzz that has captivated the world of women’s college basketball, the Iowa Hawkeyes are now being viewed as the frontrunner to land two of the most electrifying and dynamic guards currently in the NCAA transfer portal — Chazadi Wright of Georgia Tech and Kayleigh Heckel of USC.
If Head Coach Jan Jensen can successfully secure commitments from both rising stars, it would send seismic waves throughout the sport and immediately elevate the Hawkeyes into national title contention, even in the wake of Caitlin Clark’s departure to the WNBA.
Iowa’s Post-Caitlin Clark Era Could Become a New Beginning
Many wondered how Iowa would navigate the loss of Caitlin Clark, the most prolific scorer in NCAA history and a once-in-a-generation player who lifted the Hawkeyes to unprecedented heights. With Clark now flourishing as the No. 1 overall pick in the WNBA, questions arose about whether Iowa could maintain its position among college basketball’s elite.
Enter Jan Jensen.
The longtime assistant turned head coach has moved swiftly, and now appears poised to make the biggest recruiting splash of the offseason. Sources close to the program have confirmed that Iowa has “significantly increased contact and momentum” with both Chazadi Wright and Kayleigh Heckel, who are currently weighing their options after entering the transfer portal amid coaching changes and program shakeups at Georgia Tech and USC, respectively.
Who Is Chazadi Wright?
Chazadi Wright, a 5’10” guard who dazzled fans with her tenacity, speed, and clutch shot-making at Georgia Tech, is one of the most versatile backcourt players available. Averaging 17.1 points, 5.4 assists, and 4.2 rebounds per game last season, Wright proved she could take over a game at will and elevate those around her.
Scouts praise her court vision, leadership, and defensive edge, calling her a “coach’s dream with a killer instinct.” Wright’s transfer decision is rooted in seeking a platform with better national exposure, championship aspirations, and a fanbase that embraces the women’s game — all boxes that Iowa checks emphatically.
Meet Kayleigh Heckel
Meanwhile, Kayleigh Heckel, a 5’9” combo guard out of USC, is no stranger to attention. A former five-star recruit and McDonald’s All-American, Heckel struggled for consistent minutes in a loaded Trojans rotation last season, but her talent remains undeniable. Known for her elite handles, quick first step, and scoring upside, Heckel has been on nearly every coach’s radar since high school.
Despite limited playing time, she showcased flashes of brilliance, particularly in key conference games where she exhibited her basketball IQ and maturity beyond her years. Transferring to a program like Iowa — where her skill set could be unleashed in a fast-paced, guard-friendly system — could unlock the full extent of her potential.
A Recruiting Coup in the Making
What makes this potential double acquisition even more stunning is how quickly Jan Jensen has managed to pivot and reassert Iowa’s presence on the national stage.
According to insiders, Wright and Heckel have both visited the Iowa City campus in the last two weeks, meeting with players, academic advisors, and attending informal team workouts. Multiple players from last year’s roster reportedly joined the visits to share their experiences and sell the unique Iowa culture — one defined by community, loyalty, and relentless work ethic.
Jensen, who played a critical role in recruiting and mentoring Caitlin Clark, is said to have “struck an instant connection” with both Wright and Heckel during individual meetings. A source close to the program remarked, “Jan’s authenticity, energy, and vision for the future are contagious. She didn’t just talk about replacing Caitlin. She talked about building something new.”
Why Iowa? Why Now?
There are several key reasons both guards may be eyeing Iowa as their next destination:
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Immediate Playing Time: With Clark’s exit, Iowa has a major scoring and playmaking gap to fill. Wright and Heckel could walk into significant roles from Day One.
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Fanbase and Exposure: The Hawkeyes consistently drew massive crowds and national TV ratings last season, thanks to their uptempo style and Clark’s star power. That fan interest isn’t disappearing — it’s evolving.
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Development Track Record: Under Jensen and her staff, players like Clark, Monika Czinano, and Kate Martin blossomed into elite collegiate talents. The coaching reputation is second to none.
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Big Ten Competition: The conference is wide open, and with the right roster additions, Iowa could be positioned to dominate once again.
What This Means for Iowa’s Future
If Wright and Heckel both commit, Iowa could field one of the most dangerous backcourts in the country. The combination of Wright’s maturity and grit with Heckel’s youthful explosiveness would give Jensen multiple options on both ends of the floor.
Moreover, their presence would attract even more elite recruits and transfers to the program, sending a clear message that the Hawkeyes are not simply rebuilding — they’re reloading.
It would also cement Jan Jensen’s status as not just Caitlin Clark’s former mentor, but as a legitimate architect of a new era in Iowa women’s basketball.
National Reaction Already Stirring
Social media is ablaze with speculation, with fans and analysts alike weighing in on the potential power shift. ESPN analyst Rebecca Lobo tweeted Saturday morning, “If Iowa lands BOTH Wright and Heckel? Watch out. That backcourt could be lethal.”
Fans have begun circulating mock lineups, imagining a Wright-Heckel duo supported by returning forwards and sharpshooting role players — a team that could easily crack the AP Top 10 before the season tips off.
What Comes Next?
While no official announcements have been made, multiple reports suggest both players are nearing a decision, with Wright potentially deciding “within days,” and Heckel expected to follow shortly after.
If both choose Iowa, expect an emergency press conference from the university, likely with Coach Jensen addressing the media flanked by her two newest stars.
Until then, Hawkeyes Nation will be holding its breath — but the signs are overwhelmingly positive. The buzz is building, and if this breaks Iowa’s way, we may be witnessing the birth of a new superpower in women’s college basketball.
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