The Big Ten, by all quantifiable accounts, should be college hoops’ premier conference once again in the 2026-27 season. And that’s a notion seconded by the metrics, as Bart Torvik – which is an analytical tool used by the NCAA Tournament selection committee – placed a whopping 11 Big Ten squads in the top 40 of its early 2026-27 projection .  Where Iowa basketball ranks in Bart Torvik's early 2026-27 projection Mar 22, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes guard Kael Combs (11) celebrates after defeating the Florida Gators in a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images | Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images The only issue: Iowa is nowhere to be found. The Hawkeyes, who return three of five starters and 56.3 percent of their total minutes from their 2025-26 Elite Eight squad, were further down the list at No. 43.  Sure, we understand.…