Tigers lose starting receiver to the transfer portal in biggest loss yet

Missouri has been fairly lucky with transfer news so far, but now they'll be without one of their starting receivers from 2025.

Wide receiver Joshua Manning, who had 318 yards and two touchdowns this past season, plans to enter the transfer portal according to On3 Sports.

Tigers take first big hit of the transfer cycle with loss of Manning

Manning, a 6-foot-2, 210-pound receiver, was a four-star recruit in the 2023 class. He was the ninth overall player in the state of Missouri, and the No. 37 overall receiver in the country. Manning finished third on the Tigers in receptions this season with 29, and was tied for second with two scores. He had his best year yet, despite Missouri prioritizing their powerful rushing attack, and was primed for another year as a starter in the Tigers offense.

Now, they'll be without Manning and star receiver Kevin Coleman Jr, who graduates after this season. It's no surprise, however, that now two receivers —James Madison II and now Manning— have transferred after a disappointing year passing the football for Missouri. The Tigers threw for just 2,343 total yards in 2025, and leaned heavily on their star All-American running back Ahmad Hardy.

Without an offensive coordinator after losing Kirby Moore to a head coaching job with Washington State, and rumors swirling around head coach Eli Drinkwitz and Michigan, Missouri's future is suddenly clouded. Now five players have entered the portal with potentially more to come. The portal officially opens on Jan. 2.