Taj Manning, a forward who began his collegiate career at Kansas State before moving to Iowa State, is entering his final year of eligibility with a clear mission: to translate his rebounding dominance into a more prominent offensive role. The transition comes after a season marked by injuries to teammates and upheaval within the Wildcats program, which opened the door for Manning to assume a larger share of minutes and responsibility.
A New Chapter in Ames
At Kansas State, Manning appeared in 30 of 32 games during the 2025‑26 season, averaging 4.2 points, 5.1 rebounds and 0.7 blocks per game while shooting 48.5% from the floor. He logged a career‑high 29 minutes in a contest against Utah and started 17 of the final 19 games, including a stretch of 16 consecutive starts to close the season.
His production showed a noticeable upward trend in the latter part of the schedule. Over the last 25 games Manning’s scoring rose to 4.9 points per game, his shooting percentage improved to 47.5% and he pulled down 5.9 rebounds on average. He led the Wildcats with 64 offensive rebounds and ranked second on the team with 154 total rebounds, earning recognition as one of the Big 12’s top offensive rebounders.
Manning’s shooting profile is a mix of efficiency and limitation. He connected on only 5‑of‑27 three‑point attempts for the season but was 2‑of‑4 against rival Kansas, highlighting occasional perimeter bursts. His free‑throw accuracy of 69.7% suggests a latent ability to stretch his game beyond the paint, a skill that could become a focal point of his offensive toolkit.
Impact on the Cyclones
Now at Iowa State, Manning joins a roster that has been reshaped by both departures and injuries. The Cyclones have turned to him as a key interior presence, expecting him to anchor the boards and provide reliable second‑chance opportunities. His experience as a regular starter and his recent minutes increase position him to contribute immediately, especially in a conference where rebounding often dictates game flow.
Coaches have emphasized his ability to convert offensive rebounds into points, a trait that aligns with the team’s up‑tempo style. While his three‑point shooting remains a work in progress, the free‑throw percentage offers a glimpse of potential perimeter competence that could open up additional scoring avenues as he adapts to the Cyclones’ system.