The early work in the transfer portal continued for Iowa State Sunday. The Cyclones landed a commit out of Virginia in Blake Buchanan, a forward standing 6-feet 11-inches.
Buchanan spent the first two seasons of his collegiate career at Virginia and will enter Iowa State with two years of eligibility remaining.
As a Cavalier, Buchanan played in 66 games and started in 28. In the 2024-25 season, he started 22 games and made appearances in 32.
In those games, Buchanan averaged 5.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.1 blocks. His high block numbers allowed him to rank sixth in the ACC. His size inside will be a benefit for the Cyclones, as he shot 53.4% inside.
Buchanan will fill the void left by center Dishon Jackson, who hit the transfer portal last Monday, and forward Brandton Chatfield, who is graduating. Iowa State also lost some size when guard Demarion Watson, forward Kayden Fish and center JT Rock all hit the portal last Monday as well.
The Cyclones have now landed three commitments from the transfer portal, with Buchanan joining forward Eric Mulder and guard Mason Williams to that list. Buchanan and Mulder will look to fill the roles of Jackson and Chatfield while providing help to forward Joshua Jefferson, who will return to Iowa State next season.
Here is a breakdown of Iowa State’s 2025-26 roster as of now:
- Nate Heise, redshirt senior guard
- Tamin Lipsey, senior guard
- Joshua Jefferson, senior forward
- Milan Momcilovic, junior forward
- Eric Mulder, junior forward
- Mason Williams, junior guard
- Blake Buchanan, junior forward
- Dominykas Pleta, sophomore forward
- Killyan Toure, freshman guard
- Xzavion Mitchell, freshman forward
- Jamarion Batemon, freshman guard
The transfer portal remains open until April 22.
