Auburn Transfer Headed to Kentucky

Tayshawn Manning has SEC experience, great size and has been a SEC all-academic team member. (Auburn Athletics Photo)

Kentucky’s Big Blue Wall added another piece Monday. Auburn senior Tashawn Manning is transferring to Kentucky where he could have two more seasons if he elected to use a COVID year.

“I want to extend a great big thank you to my parents, my sister, my girlfriend, and all the fans, coaches, and universities who showed me love during this decision-making process,” Manning posted on Instagram.

 “It is now time for me to take the next step in my collegiate career. With that being said, I have decided to use my last year of eligibility at the University of Kentucky.”

Manning has terrific size — 6-4, 335 pounds — and quality Southeastern Conference experience. He started every game at left guard for Auburn in 2020 before losing his starting spot this season. However, he started twice at left guard and once at right guard in the final three games, including the regular-season finale where Auburn almost upset Alabama.

He was a three-star defensive line prospect out of Florida in the 2016 recruiting class. However, he did not enroll at Auburn until 2017 after undergoing eight months of cancer treatment before he was allowed to resume his football career.

Manning also has been on the SEC All-Academic Team.