Iowa State Lands Kansas State Transfer Forward Taj Manning

The Cyclones add frontcourt depth with the addition of the versatile big man.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 8:18pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fragmented, multi-angled painting depicting a basketball player's movements and positioning on the court, broken down into bold, overlapping geometric shapes and planes in a vibrant color palette, conceptually representing the versatility and energy a new transfer addition will bring to the Iowa State Cyclones.A cubist interpretation of a versatile forward's impact on the court, with sharp geometric shapes capturing the dynamism of Iowa State's new transfer addition.Lawrence Today

The Iowa State Cyclones have secured a commitment from former Kansas State Wildcats forward Taj Manning. Manning, who averaged 5.1 rebounds per game last season, will help bolster the Cyclones' frontcourt depth after the departure of standout Joshua Jefferson.

Why it matters

Iowa State struggled with rebounding at times last season, especially in their Sweet 16 loss to Tennessee. The addition of Manning, along with fellow transfer Leon Bond III and incoming freshmen Jackson Kiss and Dorian Rinaldo-Komlan, will give the Cyclones more size and physicality in the paint to compete in the Big 12.

The details

In 20.7 minutes per game for Kansas State last season, Manning averaged 5.1 rebounds, including 2.1 offensive boards. His total rebound rate of 13.9% ranked 17th in the Big 12, while his offensive rebounding rate of 11.6% was 10th. Manning also provides a defensive presence, with a block rate of 3.7% that ranked 18th in the conference.

  • Manning played for Kansas State during the 2025-26 season.
  • He committed to Iowa State in April 2026, ahead of a planned visit to Ames.

The players

Taj Manning

A former forward for the Kansas State Wildcats, Manning is transferring to Iowa State to help bolster the Cyclones' frontcourt depth.

T.J. Otzelberger

The head coach of the Iowa State Cyclones, who is working to rebuild the team's roster after losing significant talent at the end of the 2025-26 season.

Joshua Jefferson

A standout player for Iowa State who departed the team at the end of the 2025-26 season, leaving a void in the frontcourt that the Cyclones are now trying to fill.

Blake Buchanan

A current Iowa State player who will likely see increased minutes and responsibility in the frontcourt alongside the incoming transfer Taj Manning.

Dominykas Pleta

Another Iowa State player who will team up with Manning to provide more size and physicality in the paint for the Cyclones.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This is a major addition for Iowa State to help replenish the frontcourt depth they lost. It will take a complete team effort to replace a player of the caliber of Joshua Jefferson, but Manning will certainly help the cause, especially in the rebounding department.”

— Alec Busse, Reporter, Cyclone Alert

What’s next

Manning will join the Iowa State roster for the 2026-27 season, where he will be expected to make an immediate impact on the Cyclones' frontcourt depth and rebounding efforts.

The takeaway

The addition of Taj Manning from the transfer portal is a key move for Iowa State as they look to rebuild their roster and compete in the Big 12 next season. His size, physicality, and defensive presence will be valuable assets as the Cyclones aim to improve their rebounding and interior play.