Belmont Duo Could Be Perfect Additions to Iowa State in 2026-27

The Iowa State Cyclones should think long and hard about bringing aboard a Belmont Bruins tandem in the transfer portal.

Belmont's Drew Scharnowski (11) blocks a shot by Bradley's Jaquan Johnson in the second half of their college basketball game Monday, Feb. 9, 2026 at Carver Arena in Peoria. Johnson was fouled before the block. The Braves defeated the Bruins 95-84. | MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

After a great season that ended prematurely with a Sweet Sixteen exit, the Iowa State Cyclones are preparing for an offseason that will be filled with plenty of moves.

Currently, the only player who might leave outside of the seniors is Milan Momcilovic, who has entered his name in the 2026 NBA Draft. However, he is still eligible to come back if he doesn't receive the feedback he is hoping for.

With a solid core expected to return but a certain need for improvement, two players could be intriguing for the Cyclones. And crazy enough, they happen to both wear the same jersey.

The Belmont Bruins rallied to another phenomenal season. The program has been a wagon in the Missouri Valley Conference, and was once again the No. 1 seed going into the conference tournament. Unfortunately, the Drake Bulldogs were able to take them out in the second round, ending their season unexpectedly.

Sam Orme, Drew Scharnowski worth targeting in transfer portal for Iowa State

Drake's Eli Shetlar defends Belmont's Sam Orme during a game at Knapp Center on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026 in Des Moines. | Lily Smith/The Register / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Belmont was filled with loads of talent: Tyler Lundblade, Sam Orme, Drew Scharnowski and Nic McClain, to name a few. But the two to focus on are Orme and Sharnowski.

After the season ended, both Orme and Scharnowski elected to enter the transfer portal, looking for a new opportunity. And they potentially have a perfect solution, and that’s coming to Ames, Iowa, to compete for Iowa State.

Orme, a 6-foot-9 sophomore, has lots of size on him. But a lot of his success comes from beyond the arc. He is a 39.7% 3-point shooter and hits 1.7 per game, impressive stats for a big man.

There are some similarities to Momcilovic, but with a bit more focus on the inside. However, Orme is a great overall option. He averages 12.7 points and 5.0 rebounds per game.

Orme, Scharnowski would help replenish frontcourt size

Bradley's Jaquan Johnson, left, tries to knock the ball away from Belmont's Drew Scharnowski in the first half of their college basketball game Monday, Feb. 9, 2026 at Carver Arena in Peoria. The Braves defeated the Bruins 95-84. | MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Scharnowski is also a 6-foot-9 sophomore with tons of size as well. But he isn’t a clone of Orme on the court, only in height.

He doesn’t have a 3-point game at all, but plays on the inside as a dominant big man. He led the team in rebounds with 6.0, has a solid passing game with 2.6 assists per game and averages 10.7 points, ranking third on the team.

If the Cyclones want proven talent from the mid-major level, which they seemingly always have targeted, this is the perfect option for them.

It’s a place where big men can develop into stars, and both will have a massive role, whether it’s starting or off the bench. Regardless of whether it’s one or even both players, Iowa State must target these stars.