Iowa State lands transfer commitment from Bradley's Jaquan Johnson

Iowa State has landed a commitment out of the NCAA transfer portal from Bradley‘s Jaquan Johnson, he announced via Instagram Saturday afternoon. Johnson just wrapped up his sophomore season at Bradley, turning into one of the top mid-major players. He will now get to play in Ames for two years, if he chooses. At the very least, head coach TJ Otzelberger gets a big-time transfer into the program for the 2026-2027 campaign.

Johnson played in and started all 34 games this season for Bradley. His offensive numbers turned out quite well, averaging 16.9 points while shooting 42.3% from the field and 38.3% behind the three-point line. You can add 3.9 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game to the stat sheet. That kind of production alone would make it easy to see why Iowa State added Johnson to the roster.

But his defensive ability is considered elite as well. Johnson got 2.5 steals per game, continually causing chaos. The Missouri Valley Conference rewarded him by naming him to the All-Defensive team and Defensive Player of the Year.

Johnson ranked as the No. 57 overall player to enter this cycle per the On3 Industry Transfer Portal Rankings. He came in at No. 15 when comparing him to other point guards. This has to be a player that power conference teams were eyeing for a long time. Johnson was a part of a list created by On3 | Rivals’ Jamie Shaw this season, naming him one of “10 Mid Major College Basketball Sophomores Making Major Impact in 2025.”

To keep up with the latest players on the move, check out On3’s Transfer Portal wire. The On3 Transfer Portal Instagram account and Twitter account are excellent resources to stay up to date with the latest moves.

Iowa State looking to repeat success of past season

Otzelberger has put together one of the more consistent programs in the Big 12 over recent seasons. Iowa State has made five consecutive NCAA Tournaments and does not really plan on slowing down. Especially after earning a two-seed this past year and making the Sweet Sixteen.

Acquiring quality players, up and down the roster, is a requirement in order to do so. Manning will certainly be a part of the equation. He brings valuable Big 12 experience, even if Kansas Stae did not have the best on-court results. Iowa State will be able to rely on him on the glass, while possibly looking at finding a way to develop the scoring a little bit more.