Updated March 27, 2026, 9:17 p.m. CT
Iowa State basketball standout Joshua Jefferson is not going to play in Friday’s Sweet 16 March Madness recreation towards Tennessee, in line with the team’s social media account.
The workforce’s tweet saying Jefferson being out got here nearly an hour earlier than tip-off. Two hours earlier than tip, an NCAA player availability report listed Jefferson as questionable.
On Wednesday, head coach T.J. Otzelberger stated Jefferson can be a game-time determination for the Tennessee contest. On Thursday, the ahead advised reporters that his ankle is getting higher and that he was capable of stroll once more.
The All-American suffered a sprained left ankle within the opening-round victory over Tennessee State on March 20, which compelled him to be sidelined for the Cyclones’ second-round win over Kentucky on March 22. It was the primary recreation Jefferson missed since arriving at Iowa State for the 2024-25 season.
Jefferson’s absence might loom massive towards the Vols. He is Iowa State’s second-leading scorer (16.4 factors per recreation) and help man (4.8). His 7.4 boards per recreation are tops for the Cyclones, as is his 21.8 defensive rebounding share. Tennessee is the nation’s finest offensive rebounding workforce, claiming 44.8% of its missed pictures this season.
Friday night time’s recreation will tip at roughly 9:36 p.m. CT and be broadcast by TBS. The winner will play both No. 1 Michigan or No. 4 Alabama on Sunday on the United Center within the Elite Eight.
This story has been edited with an up to date beginning time.
