Joshua Jefferson Suffers Ankle Injury, Seen in Crutches

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Joshua Jefferson Suffers Ankle Injury, Seen in Crutches

Originally posted on Heartland College Sports
By Conner Becker | Last updated Mar 20, 2026 5:35 PM ET

Iowa State star forward Joshua Jefferson exited the first half of Friday’s first-round contest against Tennessee State following an apparent ankle injury sustained while completing a layup with roughly 17 minutes left before the break in St. Louis, Missouri.

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

It’s a considerable loss for the Cyclones, which turned to junior Blake Buchanan to accompany fellow big man Milan Momcilovic down low as Iowa State carried a double-digit lead into halftime on Friday.

During the game, Jefferson was seen in the tunnel in crutches.

Iowa State forward Joshua Jefferson is doubtful to return today with a lower leg injury, per the school. CBS cameras just showed him on crutches in the back tunnel.
— Jeff Borzello (@jeffborzello) March 20, 2026

While Jefferson’s absence doesn’t pose an immediate threat, the Cyclones will certainly miss their rebound leader, averaging 7.6 boards per game, in the second round against No. 7 Kentucky this weekend.

Jefferson, a Las Vegas native, began his career at St. Mary’s before transferring to Iowa State ahead of the 2024-25 season.

This article first appeared on Heartland College Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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