Kansas State forward Taj Manning has entered the transfer portal.
The Wildcats' veteran, who spent four years with the program, will find a new home in 2026.
Manning averaged 4.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks this season, but his impact went beyond the box score. He has been equated to four-time NBA champion Draymond Green for his defensive intensity, rebounding, and role as the team's glue. A diminished frontcourt gave Manning the opportunity to shine, starting in more than half of the season.
He'll be a relatively simple replacement in terms of production, but the impact and veteran presence will be difficult to replicate.
Here are the other formal Wildcats he will join as the portal opens today:
PJ Haggerty, Junior Guard
2025-26 STATS: 23.4 PTS, 5.3 REB, 3.8 AST
Haggerty was the country's third-leading scorer during the regular season. At times, Haggerty was the team's only source of offense, single-handedly keeping them in most of their conference matchups. He was prone to turnovers and first-half stalls but remains one of the best pure bucket-getters in the country.
Abdi Bashir Jr., Junior Guard
2025-26 STATS: 13.2 PTS, 2.2 REB, 2.3 AST
Bashir Jr. announced his plans to enter on Sunday afternoon, leaving the program without one of the nation's best shooters.
Exavier Wilson, Freshman Guard
2025-26 STATS: N/A
Kansas State freshman Exavier Wilson, a three-star guard from Father Tolton High School in Columbia, MO, will leave after seeing no playing time this season. The Jerome Tang recruit also had offers from West Virginia, FIU, and Missouri State.
David Castillo, Sophomore Guard
2025-26 STATS: 10.3 PTS, 1.9 REB, 1.8 AST
Castillo was anticipated to stick around as a developmental product for Kansas State, but instead will search for a new home elsewhere. He rose in production in his second season, especially in the non-conference slate.
Stephen Osei, Sophomore Forward
2025-26 STATS: 0.7 PTS, 1.0 REB
Osei barely saw the court for the Wildcats last season, logging just nine playing minutes with two points, three rebounds, and three turnovers. He never even suited up during conference play, a stretch where Kansas State could have used some big men in the absence of forwards Khamari McGriff, Elias Rapieque, and Mobi Ikegwuruka.
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