Kansas State’s preseason work is winding down, and Wednesday’s open practice offered a clearer look at where things stand as the 2026 season nears.
One of the biggest takeaways was the return of offensive lineman Tanner Morley. The 6-foot-6, 320-pound transfer from Colorado State had missed practice last week, which naturally sparked concern.
That worry made sense, especially with fellow blockers John Pastore and George Fitzpatrick already ruled out for the season by Collin Klein. But Morley was back in uniform on Wednesday and took part in drills.
He didn’t look like he was operating at full throttle, so his status for the season-opener against Nicholls is still worth watching, but he was very much involved.
The left side of the line also looks like a place where the Wildcats are sorting out new responsibilities. Freshman Oliver Miller and sophomore Ryan Howard both spent time at left tackle, with Miller also sliding inside to left guard.
Kansas State seems to be leaning on the pair to help protect Avery Johnson’s blind side, and the two could either share the workload or function as a tandem. Miller has drawn praise from coaches since arriving on campus, while Howard - the younger brother of former K-State quarterback Will Howard - has steadily climbed the depth chart all offseason.
There were also a few absences worth noting. Dillon Duff, who has a real chance to be Johnson’s primary backup this season, was not in uniform.
The St. Louis native worked out separately with several other players who weren’t cleared to practice.
He was on a stationary bike at the start of the session and later did upper-body work, so it didn’t appear to be anything major, but his absence was still noticeable. Defensive back Donovan McIntosh and running back LJ McGhee were also sidelined and joined Duff in those workouts.
At tight end, there’s a sense of momentum building. Garrett Oakley being named a team captain earlier this week fits with the idea that Kansas State could have a strong and flexible group there.
If Oakley remains the top option, that says plenty about the depth behind him, with Linkon Cure and Will Anciaux both carrying plenty of upside. The Wildcats didn’t get as much out of that position last season as they hoped, but there’s confidence in the room that Klein’s offense can unlock more this time around.
The group looked sharp on Wednesday.
Overall, the practice had the feel of a team that’s ready to move on from camp. The intensity was dialed back compared with spring work, and the energy level wasn’t quite as sharp.
That made sense. Training camp is over, Week 1 is still more than a week away, and Kansas State is done beating up on itself.
The Wildcats are ready for somebody else.
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Kansas State Faces A Real O-Line Concern Before Week 1
Kansas State opened its final public look of preseason camp with a little more clarity on the offensive line picture, and a little more uncertainty too. Tanner Morley was back on the field after a recent absence, a welcome sight for a front that has been searching for the right mix as Week 1 approaches. Around him, the Wildcats are also leaning on younger pieces, with freshmen Oliver Miller and sophomore Ryan Howard expected to take on bigger responsibilities up front.
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Now Bartley is in the mix for the starting strong safety job, and the buzz around him has only grown because of the way coaches have talked about his maturity, work ethic and performance. For Kansas State, that kind of internal competition is exactly what it wants in the secondary, especially from a player who is also carrying a business administration major and handling the rest of the load that comes with being a young defensive back. The next step is the one that usually separates promising contributors from full-time difference-makers, and Bartley is pushing to get there. [Read more 🡒]