Four years after choosing Missouri over Kansas State, wide receiver Joshua Manning is finally heading to Manhattan. Manning, a highly touted Lee’s Summit product, originally spurned K-State despite quarterback Avery Johnson’s heartfelt recruiting pitch, which included social media posts and EMAW gear photos. At the time, Missouri won the recruiting battle, prompting coach Eli Drinkwitz to celebrate the in-state commitment online.
Now, in the 2026 transfer cycle, the tables have turned. Manning has decided to leave Missouri after three seasons and join Kansas State, giving new head coach Collin Klein an immediate boost at wide receiver. Manning, a 6-foot-2, 209-pound sophomore, caught 29 passes for 318 yards and two touchdowns last season in the SEC, and figures to step into a prominent role catching passes from Johnson.
Manning’s arrival addresses a major need for the Wildcats after losing receivers Jayce Brown and Jerand Bradley. The transfer is considered the most notable addition to K-State’s roster this week, though the Wildcats also welcomed several other portal players, including:
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Jayden Bryant, 6-foot-4, 220-pound defensive end from Coastal Carolina
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Kamari Burns, 6-4, 275-pound defensive lineman from Cincinnati
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Charlie Adams, 6-3, 310-pound offensive lineman from Cal Poly
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Robert Hammond, freshman kicker from Toledo
Manning’s commitment represents a long-awaited victory for K-State’s recruiting staff, and fans are eager to see the former Missouri standout take the field in Wildcats purple.
