Carver-Hawkeye Arena is going to be absolutely buzzing soon when Iowa faces off against USC. Caitlin Clark’s legacy will be front and center, and you can feel the excitement in the air—it’s a big deal. Six top recruits, all eager to see the magic of Clark in action, will be there, drawn by the way she’s changed the game for Iowa. With her jersey retired, it’ll be a moment you won’t forget like the torch being passed. This isn’t just any game—it’s a huge chapter in Iowa basketball.

Caitlin Clark’s impact on the Iowa basketball program is obviously pronounced, as her play is not only attracting national coverage but also fueling recruiting for the team. The statement comes from a tweet by Chad Leistikow, a sports columnist for the Hawkeyes, who posted that “UPDATE: A sixth highly touted women’s prospect has been added to the lineup for Iowa-USC.”  This serves to indicate the increased buzz and interest in Iowa’s program, as the country’s top national high school talent is being attracted to the game to see Clark’s thrilling action and the Hawkeyes’ emergence on the national scene.

The Des Moines Register says that a minimum of six of the nation’s top national high school prospects, including an Iowa signee, will attend the game. This kind of top-level talent being attracted to Iowa is a direct result of Caitlin Clark’s increasing stature. These recruits are probably motivated by Clark’s dynamic play, her leadership, and Iowa’s increasing visibility nationally, all of which are factors that enhance Iowa’s recruiting efforts.

During an earlier interview with CBS Sports, ex-Iowa coach Lisa Bluder revealed just how much influence Caitlin Clark has on things outside of the playing field. Bluder frequently has discussed Clark’s leadership and demeanor under stress contributing to the greatly improved stature of the entire team.

Thanks to Clark’s success, Iowa is a destination that blue-chip recruits want to be a part of. It’s not just the individual talent—it’s the atmosphere of a winning culture where personal development and team achievement are inseparable. It’s all part of a larger plan for the Iowa program, leveraging Clark’s fame to draw in future stars and cement their status as one of the largest names in women’s basketball.

Passing the torch: Caitlin Clark’s legacy

The Feb. 2 showdown between Iowa and USC isn’t just another game—it’s an electrifying moment in women’s basketball. The atmosphere will be charged with excitement, as a group of top recruits, all drawn in by Caitlin Clark’s legendary status, are set to be there. Among them is Addie Deal, Iowa’s prized combo guard from Santa Ana, California, ranked No. 18 in her class by ESPN. Her decision to be at the game is a testament to Clark’s influence, as she’s one of the biggest recruits Iowa has landed since Clark herself.

Then there’s Kate Harpring, a 5-10 point guard from Atlanta and No. 2 in the Class of 2026, who’s going to be keeping an eye on the action. She’s already got ties with Brandon Clay, who’s also trained Deal, and she’s someone to watch.

Alongside her, Addison Bjorn, a 6-1 wing from Kansas City and No. 11 in her class, will be in the stands. Iowa is already in her top 15, showing just how appealing the Hawkeyes have become. Jenica Lewis ranked No. 15 in the Class of 2026, will also be there, a player Iowa has had its sights set on for years. These rising stars are all part of a growing movement, and it’s clear Clark’s impact is creating a legacy that will shape Iowa’s future.

And there’s Finley Chastain, a 6-foot Class of 2027 point guard, and Jhaliana Guy, a highly touted Class of 2028 guard from Bettendorf, both of whom will be part of the contingent.

It’s not possible to overlook the “Caitlin Clark effect” here. With her No. 22 jersey retired on that day and the game telecast nationally on FOX, the excitement around the arena will be unbelievable. All these top-shelf recruits are experiencing a piece of Iowa basketball history, one that’s being created by Clark’s legacy. The environment will be special, not only for the present squad but for future stars of the game as well.