At Kansas State, roster stability is severely impacted by the coaching turnover. Now that the Wildcats are searching for a head coach, it’s time to find out who will likely be in and out for the 2026–2027 campaign.
Majority of transfers, other roster moves start with a decision from P.J. Haggerty
For most of this season, Kansas State’s only bright spot was P.J. Haggerty. He was one of the top scorers in the country and had been at the top of the list since conference play started.
From the end of December until February 28 against TCU, he led the Wildcats in scoring in eighteen straight games. It’s also difficult to fill such positions.
It’s disappointing when players like that depart from rosters. In addition to the uncertainties surrounding a new head coach, Kansas State might lose out on an NBA-caliber player in 2025–2026.
Haggerty has previously tested the transfer portal at TCU, Memphis, and possibly the Wildcats when the transfer window opens. Although it’s not a guarantee, it’s the most likely option in this day and age when coaches bring in their own players.
Nate Johnson, Khamari McGriff among senior transfers out of eligibilityÂ
Nate Johnson and Khamari McGriff were two important starters who participated in their last season of eligibility in 2026. Marcus Johnson and C.J. Jones, whose college careers also came to an end on Tuesday night, are among their names.
Abdi Bashir Jr., David Castillo, Andrej Kostic, Elias Rapieque, and Taj Manning are among the possible returners. Unfortunately, though, it is unlikely that the players will be persuaded to return by the dysfunction they have experienced this season.
Haggerty is probably the first player to move through the transfer portal; if not, then who? But for supporters, the solution is in front of them.
Kansas State coaching change means more than just new faces on staff
After the NCAA modified its transfer portal regulations in 2024, coaching staff moves and roster overhauls swiftly became the standard. Consider Darren DeVries, the head coach of Indiana. He has worked as a coach on three different staffs, always taking his son Tucker with him.
Bennett Stirtz is one of the athletes who followed Iowa Hawkeyes head coach Ben McCollum all the way from Division II Northwest Missouri State. In 2025, a number of them even participated in the NCAA March Madness Tournament.
What does Kansas State stand to gain from that? A new head coach will probably bring his players with him. Many potential former Aggies would be converted to the Wildcats if that coach, Jerrod Calhoun, emerges as the front-runner.
It’s also uncertain how many players from the applicants’ current teams might accompany them to Manhattan or how many transfers will fill those openings. A total makeover might be in the works, depending on who gets the position.
