Kansas and K-State hold their breath as the transfer portal opens and a pivotal coaching decision dictates future roster moves.
Waiting game begins as portal, Self decision looms in Sunflower Showdown Ep. 13
Episode 13 of Sunflower Showdown focused less on breaking news and more on what’s coming next, as both Kansas and Kansas State sit in a holding pattern with the transfer portal about to open.
On the Kansas State side, the biggest development was a minor one — sophomore forward Stephen Oay entering the portal after barely seeing the floor last season.
“He really just never got a chance,” co-host Jayden Armant said. “Especially with that limited forward rotation, you would’ve liked to see him get some run.”
Still, Armont noted the bigger picture could be coming soon, especially with a new coaching staff in place.
“You’re probably going to see more star players from K-State start to exit through the portal,” he said. “But at the same time, Casey Alexander could bring some guys in and flip the roster quickly.”
At Kansas, the focus remains squarely on Bill Self and the ripple effect his decision will have on the program.
“Pretty much everyone’s just waiting to see what he decides,” I said. “If he comes back, you could see guys return — maybe even someone like Tyran Stokes commit. If not, it’s kind of all up in the air.”
Recruiting continues to hover in the background, with five-star target Tyran Stokes still firmly in play after a strong showing in the McDonald’s All-American Game.
“KU is still strongly in the mix,” I said. “I think he’s waiting to see what the portal looks like before making a decision.”
On the football side, spring ball is underway, though headlines remain limited. Armant pointed to Kansas State lineman Sam Hecht as a rising NFL Draft name.
“ESPN is talking about him a lot right now,” Armant said. “He fits teams with mobile quarterbacks — he’s getting real buzz.”
At Kansas, the attention is more modest, with players like Jalon Daniels expected to hear their names called later in the draft.
“I’d be surprised if he didn’t get drafted,” I said. “Probably more in that five or six round range.”
For now, both programs are in wait-and-see mode — but not for long.
“I think we’ll be getting a lot of transfer portal and recruiting news soon,” I said. “This is where things are about to pick up.”
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