The Chris Plante Show 9:00pm - Midnight

Listen Live

Search

Iowa State Star Forward’s Injury Status Uncertain for Sweet 16 Matchup

Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at 10:21 PM

Iowa State All-American forward Joshua Jefferson's availability for Friday's Sweet 16 game against Tennessee remains unclear due to an ankle injury. The star player hurt his ankle in the team's first-round victory and missed their second-round game against Kentucky.

Iowa State’s standout forward Joshua Jefferson will be a last-minute decision for Friday evening’s Sweet 16 clash with Tennessee in Chicago, according to Cyclones head coach T.J. Otzelberger, who addressed reporters Wednesday.

The All-American player injured his left ankle during a drive to the basket in Iowa State’s opening tournament victory over Tennessee State last Friday. He was unable to play in the team’s second-round matchup against Kentucky two days following the injury.

Coach Otzelberger indicated that Jefferson continues to show improvement in his recovery process.

“He’s working tirelessly every day,” Otzelberger said during a press conference at the team’s hotel. “Countless sessions in the training room. Doing everything he can. His ankle is getting better every single day. It will go right up to game time.”

“There’s not any percentages, predictions, unlikely, likely. It is literally, he is working tirelessly to compete to do everything he can to be on the court for our team. …. We’ll see where we’re at game time Friday night.”

Jefferson serves as a crucial player for the Cyclones, averaging 16.4 points per contest while ranking second on the team in assists with 4.8 per game. He also tops the squad in rebounds, pulling down 7.4 per game.

Share

More from TV Delmarva Channel 33 News

  • FEMA Restarts $1 Billion Disaster Prevention Program After Court Order

    The Federal Emergency Management Agency has restarted a disaster prevention program it shut down last year, following a federal court ruling that found the cancellation was unlawful. The agency is now accepting applications for $1 billion in grants to help communities prepare for natural disasters.

  • AI Startup Reflection Seeks $25B Valuation in Massive Funding Round

    Reflection AI, supported by chip giant Nvidia, is pursuing $2.5 billion in new investment funding that would value the artificial intelligence company at $25 billion. Major bank JPMorgan Chase is reportedly considering joining the funding round through its security initiative.

  • Indonesian Military Leader Resigns After Acid Attack on Human Rights Activist

    A high-ranking Indonesian military intelligence chief has resigned following an acid attack that severely burned a human rights activist. The attack on Andrie Yunus, who advocates against military expansion, has sparked international condemnation and calls for independent investigation.

  • German Steel Giant’s Sale to Indian Company Hits Major Roadblocks

    Negotiations between German industrial company Thyssenkrupp and Indian steel manufacturer Jindal Steel International are facing significant obstacles over pension obligations and rising energy expenses. The potential multi-billion dollar acquisition could collapse within weeks after six months of discussions.