Kansas State’s offensive line enters the 2026 season with a mix of continuity and uncertainty, as second‑year head coach Collin Klein looks to turn a unit that struggled in 2025 into a contender for the Big 12 title.
At the left side of the line, John Pastore is slated to protect the quarterback’s blind side after starting every game last year and earning preseason All‑Big 12 honors, a testament to his durability and early‑season promise.
Key Questions for the Line
The left guard spot may be manned by Colorado State transfer Tanner Morley, who has shown steady improvement and limited pressure numbers in recent campaigns, provided he stays healthy.
In the middle, Delvin Morris is being evaluated for the center position, a role left vacant after Sam Hecht was drafted, and his pass‑blocking progress from a shaky 2024 will be closely watched.
The right side remains a battleground, with Gus Hawkins, Tyler Johnson and Oliver Miller vying for the tackle spot, while Charlie Adams, a Cal Poly transfer, could add depth at right guard or tackle, and competition also includes Keiton Jones and Dylan Villarouel for the guard slot.
Adding another layer of intrigue, veteran George Fitzpatrick’s availability is uncertain after an offseason medical emergency that sidelined him for the previous year, leaving the coaching staff to weigh his contributions against the emerging options.
Pastore’s pass‑protection metrics reveal 16 total pressures last season, including two hits on Avery Johnson and a sack, even though his run‑blocking grades were modest, underscoring a need for consistency.
Morley’s pressure count stands at seven in 2024 and six in 2025, with no sacks allowed, suggesting reliability when fully fit, while Morris, despite a difficult 2024, posted zero pressures in three of his final four games at left tackle in 2025, hinting at a potential turnaround.
The coaching staff emphasizes that health will be the decisive factor; a fully fit Morley and Morris could reshape the line’s dynamics, but the final composition will only emerge once the team takes the field.