Not that recruiting doesn't matter, because it definitely does, but it doesn't really matter that much at Iowa. It's more of a developmental program.
in 2020 we had the 11th ranked B1G class - finished 3rd
in 2019 we had the 11th ranked B1G class - finished 5th
in 2018 we had the 12th ranked B1G class - finished 6th
In 2017 we had our best class of the last 4 years, ranked 9th - but we finished 11th. That's kind of the outlier season as if we continue to go down the years until we get to Fran's first few you will always see the team finish well beyond where their program ranked in the recruiting rankings.
It's always been one of my big pro Fran arguments, he, for the most part, always finishes way above his recruiting rankings as well as comparative to what he's paid vs the rest of the conference.
He hasn't got out of the first weekend in the NCAA though and ultimately, that's all that really matters. I think he will - I think he will do it in the next 3 to 4 seasons. I am one that doesn't think the cupboard is all that bare. Yes, they are losing a ton, but I am excited about what we have knowing how good our staff is at making players.