Iowa State vs. Tennessee: Joshua Jefferson Injury Update
Iowa State announced that Joshua Jefferson will not play in Friday’s Sweet 16 game against Tennessee. The team posted the update on social media about an hour before tip-off.
An NCAA availability report had listed Jefferson as questionable two hours earlier. On Wednesday, coach T.J. Otzelberger called Jefferson a game-time decision.
Injury timeline
Jefferson suffered a sprained left ankle on March 20 in the opening-round win over Tennessee State. He missed the Cyclones’ second-round victory over Kentucky on March 22.
Thursday, Jefferson told reporters his ankle was improving and he could walk again. The Kentucky game was his first missed contest since joining Iowa State for the 2024-25 season.
Impact on the matchup
This Joshua Jefferson injury update carries weight for Iowa State vs. Tennessee. Jefferson averages 16.4 points and 4.8 assists per game for the Cyclones.
He also leads the team with 7.4 rebounds per game. His defensive rebounding percentage is 21.8.
Tennessee is the nation’s best offensive rebounding team. The Vols grab 44.8% of their missed shots.
Broadcast and next steps
Friday’s game will tip around 9:36 p.m. CT and air on TBS. The winner will meet either No. 1 Michigan or No. 4 Alabama on Sunday.
That Elite Eight game will be played at the United Center. The original story was edited to reflect the updated start time.
What Jefferson has said
Jefferson has described steady progress in his rehab to reporters. He confirmed mobility was returning but was not cleared to play.
Report by Filmogaz.com.
