Iowa State's Jefferson exits in 1st round with leg injury
Iowa State forward Joshua Jefferson is doubtful to return to the Cyclones' first-round NCAA Tournament game against Tennessee State due to a leg injury, according to CBS Sports' Jon Rothstein.
The second-team All-American rolled his left ankle when he landed after a layup attempt. Trainers helped Jefferson off the floor, as he couldn't put any weight on his leg.
Iowa State's Joshua Jefferson was helped off the floor after an apparent ankle injury pic.twitter.com/R4xaFzgsJU
— CBS Sports College Basketball 🏀 (@CBSSportsCBB) March 20, 2026
Jefferson went straight to the locker room to get X-rays and was later shown on crutches with his ankle wrapped.
Jefferson is averaging 16.9 points and a team-leading 7.6 rebounds in 34 games this season. The senior also leads the Cyclones in minutes per contest (31.8).
Iowa State went into halftime with a 55-29 lead. The winner will face off against Kentucky on Sunday.