Kansas State’s offensive line picture has already changed before kickoff arrives.
The Wildcats are less than two weeks from the opener, but they’re now sorting through a flurry of injuries that have shaken up the front. Head coach Collin Klein said last week that John Pastore is out for the season because of a lower body injury, while George Fitzpatrick will miss the fall as he recovers from a medical incident in the summer of 2025. With both players tied to the offensive tackle spots, Kansas State’s line is headed for a different look than many expected entering 2026.
There’s more uncertainty, too. Tanner Morely, the Colorado State transfer and the presumed starter at left guard, was also hurt in practice last week, although the injury does not appear to be season-ending.
Tyler Johnson, the Auburn transfer, has been limited in practice, but his injury is not expected to keep him out for long. Keiton Jones, the Missouri transfer, is dealing with the same kind of short-term situation, and both Johnson and Jones are still battling for starting roles in week one.
That’s the reality of August camp: nicks, bumps, and lineup shuffling. With game preparation set to ramp up soon, Kansas State should have its rotation sorted out before long. In the meantime, the depth chart is forcing others to think bigger about their role, including true freshman Oliver Miller, as the Wildcats start recalculating what the offensive line could look like in 2026.
GoPowercat has identified five players who need to step up after the Fitzpatrick and Pastore injuries.
In Other News...
Kansas State Fans Have Fresh Fuel In The Will Howard Debate
Will Howards first training-camp summer in Pittsburgh has given Kansas State fans a new reason to keep a close eye on the former Wildcats quarterback. In his second preseason game for the Steelers, he completed 10 of 15 passes for 74 yards while working behind Aaron Rodgers in the battle for the backup job, a role that already carries plenty of scrutiny for a rookie trying to make his mark.
The numbers against the New York Jets were not clean, with Howard throwing two interceptions and finishing with a 38.6 passer rating, and that kind of uneven outing is exactly the sort of thing that can sharpen the debate back in Manhattan. Kansas State supporters know what Howard meant to the program, so every snap he takes in Pittsburgh feels like a referendum on how quickly he can adjust to the pro game. [Read more 🡒]
Kansas State Still Has One Important QB Battle To Settle
Kansas State may have its starter in place with senior Avery Johnson, but the quarterback room still has one meaningful job up for grabs. Offensive coordinator Sean Gleeson has described the competition behind Johnson as healthy and competitive, with Jacob Knuth, Blake Barnett and Dillon Duff all in the mix as the Wildcats continue sorting out who would be next in line if needed.
The backup spot matters in any season, but especially for a program trying to stay steady under center while also building for the future. There is also another development worth watching around Manhattan, where Kansas State is a finalist for four-star prospect Malik Olajuwon, the son of NBA legend Hakeem Olajuwon, adding another notable recruiting storyline to a busy stretch for the program. [Read more 🡒]
Kansas State May Have Another Local DB Worth Watching
A new local name has started to surface in Kansas States secondary, and Robert RJ Collins Jr. gives the Wildcats another reason to keep an eye on the cornerback room. The Staley High School product from Kansas City enrolled in time for spring practices, arrived as a redshirt after sitting out last season, and is now trying to carve out a place in a crowded position group.
Collins came to Manhattan with a reputation that traveled well beyond the metro area, thanks to his speed, track background and the kind of recruiting profile that drew several other offers. For Kansas State, the appeal is easy to see: a talented in-state defensive back with a chance to develop behind veterans, even if the next step in his path still needs to be earned in a deep and competitive group. [Read more 🡒]