Joshua Jefferson Injury Update vs. Kentucky: Will He Play?

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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

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

Joshua Jefferson Update vs. Kentucky

According to Field of 68’s Jeff Goodman, the Iowa State star is unlikely to play when Iowa State takes on Kentucky in its second round game on Sunday.

Iowa State's Joshua Jefferson (ankle) is unlikely to play tomorrow against Kentucky, source told @TheFieldOf68.

Jefferson will continue to receive treatment prior to the game, but the chances of him being able to play against the Wildcats on Sunday are slim.

— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) March 21, 2026

Jefferson leads the Cyclones in rebounds per game and is second on the team in both points per game and assists per game. If he can’t play vs. Kentucky after sustaining an ankle injury against Tennessee State, it would be a huge blow for the Cyclones. 

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