The outlook for Kansas State Wildcats men’s basketball wasn’t promising after an early exit in the Big 12 Tournament, but things are beginning to turn around. The program has gained momentum by adding two notable players from the transfer portal: Brandon Rechsteiner and Dezdrick Lindsay.
Kansas State’s offseason started on a tough note with the departure of standout guard P.J. Haggerty, one of the nation’s top scorers. His offensive ability made him a major challenge for opposing defenses, and he has since transferred to Texas A&M Aggies men’s basketball for his final season. Along with Haggerty, several other players—including Taj Manning, David Castillo, Abdi Bashir Jr., Stephen Osei, Exavier Wilson, and Dorin Buca—also left the program, creating significant roster gaps.
To address those losses, Kansas State added Rechsteiner, a guard who most recently played for Colorado State Rams men’s basketball after previously spending two seasons with Virginia Tech Hokies men’s basketball. Last season, he averaged 12 points and 2.2 rebounds per game and was a consistent scoring option on a balanced Rams squad. He recorded a season-high 21 points in a win over Wichita State Shockers men’s basketball and surpassed 20 points twice during the year. He also contributed 16 points in a Mountain West Tournament quarterfinal game and was one of several teammates shooting over 40% from three-point range.
Kansas State also secured a commitment from Lindsay, a senior forward transferring from Oregon Ducks men’s basketball. He averaged 5.3 points and 2.8 rebounds last season while appearing in 32 games and logging over 20 minutes per contest. Lindsay reached double figures in five games, including a 16-point performance against Penn State Nittany Lions men’s basketball, and contributed defensively with steals and blocks.
Looking ahead, Lindsay is expected to compete for playing time at forward alongside returning player Andrej Kostic. Both fill similar roles, especially following the departure of former starter Khamari McGriff. Meanwhile, at guard, Rechsteiner’s experience could make him a key piece in the rotation, though the exact lineup remains uncertain as the team continues to take shape for the 2026–27 season.
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