Washington Huskies men losing Franck Kepnang to transfer portal

The Washington men's basketball team is potentially losing its longest-tenured player in sixth-year center Franck Kepnang who is entering the transfer portal.

"I believe it is time to take the next step in my journey," Kepnang said in an announcement Tuesday morning on his social-media accounts. "I look forward to seeing what the future holds, including the possibility of wearing the Purple and Gold one last time."

https://twitter.com/franckkepnang/status/2044089547534004733

After a two-year stint at Oregon, Kepnang spent the past four seasons at Washington, including three that were cut short by injuries.

The 6-foot-11 player expects to receive an NCAA medical hardship waiver to play a seventh season.

Kepnang had his most productive year at Washington last season while averaging 6.2 points and 6.3 rebounds in 27 games, including 25 starts. He missed the final six games because of a knee injury.

For the third straight year, the UW roster has been decimated with a high number of transfers.

Kepnang is the seventh Husky to enter the portal following Zoom Diallo, Desmond Claude, Bryson Tucker, JJ Mandaquit, Courtland Muldrew and Christian Nitu. In addition, freshman star Hannes Steinbach declared for the NBA draft on Tuesday,

On Monday, Mandaquit announced he's joining the Arizona Wildcats while Nitu is headed to McNeese State.

Washington picked up a commitment from Davidson transfer Parker Friedrichsen.

The remaining UW scholarship players include Wesley Yates III, Lathan Sommerville, Jasir Rencher, Nikola Dzepina and Mady Traore.

The portal closes April 21.

Copyright 2026 Tribune Content Agency. All Rights Reserved.