🚨BREAKING BOMBSHELL: DAVID CASTILLO REJECTS $4.7M NIL OFFER FROM TENNESSEE, DECLARES LOYALTY TO KANSAS STATE
In a college basketball era where multimillion-dollar NIL deals and last-minute transfers have become the norm, Kansas State star guard David Castillo just broke the mold — and broke the internet.
Sources confirm that Castillo rejected a stunning $4.7 million NIL offer from the University of Tennessee, a move that has shocked insiders and reaffirmed a rare truth in modern college sports: loyalty still matters.
The offer — reportedly double his current NIL package — was allegedly part of a covert attempt to lure the sophomore standout into the transfer portal through backchannel tampering. But Castillo didn’t budge.
> “I came to K-State for a reason — to build something special,” Castillo reportedly told teammates. “I’m not chasing checks. I’m chasing championships.”
The 6’1″ guard has been a catalyst for Kansas State’s recent success under head coach Jerome Tang, delivering clutch performances, elite playmaking, and leadership far beyond his years. As a freshman, Castillo averaged 14.2 points, 5.3 assists, and earned All-Big 12 honors — making him one of the hottest commodities in the transfer market.
But Castillo made it clear: he’s not for sale.
“This kid is as real as it gets,” said a K-State staffer. “In a time when some players treat college hoops like a business, David treats it like a mission. He’s committed to this team, this town, and this vision.”
Castillo’s decision comes just days after K-State head coach Jerome Tang inked a massive 10-year extension, further cementing the stability and momentum behind the Wildcats’ surging program. Together, Tang and Castillo have formed one of the most exciting player-coach duos in the nation — and with both locked in, expectations for the 2025–26 season are sky-high.
National reactions have poured in across social media. CBS Sports analyst Matt Norlander tweeted: “David Castillo just became the face of a movement — loyalty over money. K-State is officially building something bigger than basketball.”
With Castillo staying put, the Wildcats retain one of their most valuable assets in their quest for a Big 12 title and a deep NCAA Tournament run.
In a landscape driven by cash and chaos, David Castillo just reminded the basketball world what it means to stay grounded — and stay true.
