Is Iowa State Basketball Star Joshua Jefferson Playing Vs Kentucky?

The Iowa State basketball team learned some devastating news regarding star Joshua Jefferson, who suffered an ankle injury in the first round of the NCAA Tournament against Tennessee State.

Approximately one hour before tip-off against Kentucky in the Round of 32, the Cyclones announced that Jefferson will not be playing in Sunday’s game at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, Missouri.

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With Jefferson sidelined, redshirt senior Nate Heise is expected to receive more minutes.

Mar 20, 2026; St. Louis, MO, USA; Iowa State Cyclones guard Nate Heise (0) shoots the ball against Tennessee State Tigers forward Carlous Williams (12) during the first half of a first-round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Enterprise Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images

The Cyclones are the No. 2 seed in the Midwest Region, while Kentucky sits at No. 7.

Tip-off between Iowa State and Kentucky is set for 2:45 p.m. ET on CBS.

Entering Sunday’s game, the Cyclones are solid 5.5-point favorites over the Wildcats, with the over/under set for 146.5 total points.

This season, Jefferson is averaging 16.4 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game.