Audi Crooks transfer portal

In a major development for women’s college basketball, Audi Crooks, the standout center for Iowa State Cyclones women’s basketball, has officially announced her decision to enter the transfer portal for her final year of collegiate eligibility. The announcement came Thursday through a heartfelt message shared on social media, sending shockwaves across the college basketball community.

Crooks has become one of the most recognizable names in women’s college basketball over the past few seasons. Her move to explore new opportunities marks one of the biggest transfer portal decisions of the current cycle and raises questions about where the talented junior will play next.

Dominant Season Elevated Audi Crooks to National Spotlight

During the 2025–26 season, Audi Crooks delivered one of the most impressive performances in women’s college basketball. The 6-foot-3 junior from Algona, Iowa, finished second in the nation in scoring, demonstrating her dominance as one of the top post players in the country.

Crooks averaged 25.8 points and 7.7 rebounds per game, showcasing remarkable efficiency throughout the season. Her shooting accuracy stood out even more, as she recorded an outstanding 64.9% field goal percentage, making her one of the most efficient scorers in the NCAA Division I women’s basketball.

Her strong performances earned widespread recognition. Crooks was named to the Associated Press second-team All-American list and also received second-team All-American honors from the United States Basketball Writers Association. Additionally, she secured a place on the prestigious Wooden Award All-America Team, further solidifying her reputation as one of the nation’s elite players.

Emotional Farewell Message to Cyclone Nation

In her social media post, Crooks expressed deep gratitude to the Iowa State fan base, known as Cyclone Nation. She reflected on her memorable experiences and the meaningful connections she built during her time with the program.

Crooks thanked fans for consistently supporting her and attending games at Hilton Coliseum, the home arena of Iowa State women’s basketball.

She wrote:

“Thank you all for embracing me and showing up to Hilton every single game day. 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.”

Crooks also shared her philosophy about growth and change, explaining her desire to explore new opportunities for her final season.

“I still believe the grass is greener where you water it, and I’ve done that here. 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.”

Her thoughtful message highlighted her appreciation for Iowa State while signaling readiness for a fresh chapter in her basketball journey.

Transfer Portal Trend Continues at Iowa State

Audi Crooks is not the only Iowa State player seeking new opportunities. She joins nine other Cyclones who have entered the transfer portal, indicating a significant shift within the program.

Speculation about Crooks’ future began earlier this year when she was asked during a March interview with ESPN whether she planned to finish her collegiate career at Iowa State. At the time, she declined to give a definitive answer, fueling rumors about a possible transfer.

Although Crooks was eligible to declare for the 2026 WNBA Draft, she confirmed her intention to remain in college for one more season. That decision ensures fans will see her continue playing at the collegiate level rather than moving to professional basketball just yet.

Iowa State’s Season Ends in Disappointment

Heading into the 2025–26 season, Iowa State was ranked among the preseason top 15 teams nationally. The Cyclones finished the season with a 22–10 record, earning the No. 8 seed in the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament.

However, their postseason run ended earlier than expected. Iowa State suffered a first-round loss to the No. 9 seed Syracuse Orange women’s basketball. Despite the defeat, Crooks delivered an exceptional performance, scoring 37 points in the game and proving her leadership and offensive strength.

That performance further demonstrated her ability to perform under pressure and solidified her status as one of the most valuable players in college basketball.

What’s Next for Audi Crooks?

Her combination of scoring ability, size, and efficiency makes her an ideal fit for championship-contending teams.

Wherever she lands, Crooks is likely to play a crucial role and continue building her reputation ahead of a potential professional career. With one season remaining in college eligibility, her next decision could significantly shape both her future and the upcoming women’s college basketball season.

Fans and analysts alike will closely watch her next move as the transfer portal continues to reshape the landscape of college basketball.