Iowa State F Joshua Jefferson (ankle) is game-time decision vs. Tennessee

Field Level Media|published: Wed 25th March, 21:16 2026

Mar 20, 2026; St. Louis, MO, USA; Iowa State Cyclones forward Joshua Jefferson (5) is helped off of the court after suffering an apparent injury to his left leg while shooting a layup against Tennessee State Tigers forward Jalen Pitre (not pictured) during the first half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Enterprise Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Le-Imagn Images

The status of Iowa State All-American forward Joshua Jefferson likely won't be determined until shortly before Friday night's Sweet 16 game against Tennessee in Chicago, Cyclones coach T.J. Otzelberger said Wednesday.

Jefferson sprained his left ankle while driving to the hoop in the Cyclones' first-round game against Tennessee State last Friday and he sat out two days later against Kentucky.

Otzelberger said Jefferson is making progress.

"He's working tirelessly every day," Otzelberger told reporters at the team 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 ranks second on the Cyclones (16.4 points per game) and assists (4.8) and leads the team in rebounding (7.4).

--Field Level Media

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