Joshua Jefferson injury update: Iowa State forward heads to locker room with ankle injury

Just minutes into Iowa State‘s NCAA Tournament First Round matchup against Tennessee State, star forward Joshua Jefferson was helped to the locker room by trainers. He is doubtful to return to Friday’s game.

After driving to the rim and making a contested layup, Jefferson landed awkwardly on his ankle. He was unable to put any weight on the ankle, and hobbled off the floor into the locker room.

“We are seeing in the back right now X-Rays being taken on Joshua Jefferson‘s ankle,” CBS Sports’ Jon Rothstein reported. “We have no update on his status, but he’s currently getting X-Rays on an ankle injury.”

Iowa State star Joshua Jefferson came down with a nasty ankle sprain.

The newly named All-American was writhing in pain and had to be helped off the floor by trainers back to the locker room. pic.twitter.com/8fVBwP7YcZ

— Chancellor Johnson (@ChancellorTV) March 20, 2026

In 34 games this season, Jefferson averaged 16.9 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 4.9 assists. He was named a Consensus Second Team All-American and a First Team All-Big 12 selection. The loss of Jefferson would be a massive one for the Cyclones as they seek their first Final Four appearance since 1944.

“I think for our team, Joshua is such a huge part of it and everything that we do,” head coach T.J. Otzelberger told Rothstein on the sideline. “We have a more guard-oriented attack when he’s not out there, so we’re trying to space the floor more and drive it. Fortunately, we’re knocking down some shots from three so it’s opening up the court.”

Iowa State is seeking fifth NCAA Tournament win of Otzelberger era

Iowa State rode its best season of the T.J. Otzelberger era to a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament. The Cyclones boast a 27-7 record and are considered a true threat to knock off No. 1 Michigan en route to a Final Four appearance, if they can advance that far.

Although Jefferson will likely miss the remainder of the game, it doesn’t appear as if the Cyclones will struggle much with Tennessee State. Immediately after Jefferson exited the game, Iowa State went on a 27-4 run and opened up a dominant 32-7 advantage.

With a win, the Cyclones would accrue their fifth NCAA Tournament victory under Otzelberger. Iowa State had previously won just four NCAA Tournament games in the seven seasons prior to Otzelberger’s arrival in Ames.

This would set up a Round of 32 matchup against No. 7 seed Kentucky, after the Wildcats held off No. 10 seed Santa Clara in overtime. The two programs last met in the NCAA Tournament in 2012, where the eventual National Champion Kentucky Wildcats knocked off Royce White and Iowa State in the Round of 32.