4-star WR Joshua Manning commits to Missouri

Lee’s Summit (Mo.) four-star wide receiver Joshua Manning was all ready to commit to Kansas State earlier this month on July 3.

Then he started to get second thoughts.

He began re-evaluating his decision and the process behind it. After more reflection, Manning has come to the decision to stay home and commit to Missouri.

“I took a deeper dive into their offenses,” Manning told On3. “I love the quarterback at K-State, but I feel like the offense at Missouri fit me probably a little bit better. That was probably the deciding piece.”

Arkansas was also in contention for Manning, who is the No. 147 overall prospect and No. 6 player from Missouri in the 2023 On300 ranking.

“It’s my home state,” Manning said. “I’ve always drove past there. I was aware that that’s Missouri, so I feel a little bit more comfortable knowing that it was right down the road.”

The Tigers have a small recruiting class at this time of only eight commits but Manning joins Saint Charles (Mo.) Francis Howell four-star tight end Brett Norfleet Tacoma (Wash.) Lincoln four-star quarterback Gabarri Johnson as four-star commits.

Manning’s brother Micah is on the Tigers, and his presence played a big deal in Manning’s recruitment.

Joshua Manning likes the idea of playing with his older brother.

“It helped them a lot,” Manning said. “Knowing when times are going to get tough, he’s gonna be there. Even when times are good, he’s gonna be there. It’s good just knowing that you have someone that loves you and cares about you.”

Manning said the decision to head to Missouri was a tough one, especially when he called to tell the other schools where he was going.

But he is relieved to have the process over with and get the chance to focus on his spring season.

“I feel like it’s a lot of pressure on me to make the right decision because this is probably gonna set me up for life,” Manning said. “I feel I made the right decision.”