Kansas State starting point guard Dug McDaniel has entered the transfer portal, according to media reports on Monday.
McDaniel, a 5-foot-11 junior transfer from Michigan, played two seasons for the Wolverines before spending last season at K-State. He was expected to lead the Wildcats from the backcourt during the 2025–26 season.
Though he got off to a rocky start early in the year, McDaniel eventually found his rhythm, averaging 11.4 points and 4.9 assists per game. Known as one of the quickest players in the Big 12, his ballhandling and explosiveness will be missed.
He played his best basketball in February and March, scoring 15 points and dishing out 11 assists in a win over No. 16 Kansas, followed by a 24-point, five-steal performance in a victory against No. 13 Arizona.
McDaniel becomes the fourth starter to depart ahead of next season. Guard Brendan Hausen has transferred to Iowa, while David N'Guessan and Coleman Hawkins have graduated.
Centers Ugonna Onyenso and forward Baye Fall also entered the transfer portal on Monday, joining forward Macaleab Rich, who had previously announced his departure.
The team now returns only four players from last season: point guard David Castillo, guard CJ Jones, and forwards Mobi Ikegwuruka and Taj Manning.
Kansas State did recently secure a commitment from Abdi Bashir, a 6-foot-7 sophomore guard from Omaha, Nebraska.
The Wildcats finished the season 16–17 overall and 9–11 in Big 12 play, tying for ninth in the conference. They missed the NCAA Tournament for the second consecutive year.