The women's college basketball world just got a major shakeup. Audi Crooks, the powerhouse center who became the face of the Iowa State Cyclones, announced Thursday she is entering the NCAA transfer portal, signaling the end of a remarkable three-year run in Ames.
Crooks made the announcement directly to fans via Instagram, delivering the news with a heartfelt and thoughtful statement. "Thank you all for embracing me and showing up to Hilton every single game day," she wrote. "I've met so many of you out in the community, and I will cherish all of the genuine connections that I've built during my time at Iowa State."
Her decision comes on the heels of a spectacular junior season where she averaged a staggering 25.8 points and 7.7 rebounds per game, cementing her status as one of the nation's most unstoppable post players. Her performance earned her a coveted spot on the Wooden Award All-America team, the highest individual honor in the sport.
In her statement, Crooks used a poignant metaphor to explain her choice. "I still believe the grass is greener where you water it, and I've done that here," she shared. "It's why I want you to hear from me directly that I have decided to enter the portal and explore what it means to take root again in new ground."
Where Will the Star Center Land?
The immediate question now is which program will secure her talents for the 2026-27 season. CBS Sports has already identified UCLA as a prime contender. The Bruins are poised to lose a core group—including Lauren Betts, Kiki Rice, and Gabriela Jaquez—to the WNBA, creating a significant need for a star of Crooks' caliber to step in and lead.
But the Bruins aren't the only ones in the mix. Sources have also named the Iowa Hawkeyes and Minnesota Golden Gophers as serious suitors for the elite transfer. Crooks' decision will undoubtedly be one of the biggest storylines of the offseason, potentially altering the competitive balance of the sport. Her recruitment could involve some complex travel logistics, especially if Midwest programs are heavily involved.
In the modern era of college athletics, Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals will also play a crucial role. While UCLA, Iowa, and Minnesota are the early names, it's entirely possible for another program to emerge from the shadows with a compelling—and lucrative—NIL package that proves impossible to turn down.
Crooks' departure is a monumental loss for Iowa State and head coach Bill Fennelly. She wasn't just a statistical leader; she was the heart of the program and a beloved figure in the community. Her announcement marks the end of an era in Ames and the beginning of a high-stakes chase that will captivate the college sports world for weeks to come.
As the transfer portal continues to reshape college athletics, moves of this magnitude remind everyone that no program is immune to change. Audi Crooks is now the most coveted player on the market, and her next destination will be one of the defining narratives of the upcoming women's basketball season.
