Audi Crooks, a two-time All-American and one of the most prolific scorers in college basketball, has announced her intention to leave Iowa State and enter the transfer portal. This decision comes after a remarkable season where she averaged 25.8 points and 7.7 rebounds per game, making her the second-leading scorer in the country.
During her time at Iowa State, Crooks led the Big 12 in scoring for two consecutive years and scored a staggering 820 points as a sophomore, leading the nation. However, despite her individual success, the team struggled to advance in the NCAA Tournament, failing to make it past the first weekend in any of her three seasons.
With Crooks’ departure, she becomes the ninth member of Iowa State’s 2025-26 roster to enter the transfer portal, leaving the team with only three returning players next season. Head coach Bill Fennelly expressed his disappointment, stating, “While I am sad and disappointed that some of our players have chosen to pursue other opportunities, I want to thank them for their time at Iowa State and wish them all the best as they move on.”
Crooks, who hails from Algona, Iowa, thanked her supporters in a heartfelt message, saying, “Thank you all for embracing me and showing up to Hilton every single game day.” Her contributions to the team have been significant, and her absence will be felt deeply.
As the team looks to rebuild, Athletic Director Jamie Pollard reassured fans, saying, “Rest assured, [Fennelly] has a great plan for how he’s going to repopulate his staff in order to continue our success in men’s basketball.” This statement reflects the commitment to maintaining a competitive program despite the recent changes.
Observers are left wondering how Iowa State will adapt to this sudden shift in their roster. With Crooks’ impressive shooting percentage of 64.9 this season and her high offensive rating, her departure raises questions about the team’s future performance.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding potential destinations for Crooks as she explores her options in the transfer portal. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see where this talented athlete lands next.
