The 2025 season has gotten off to a rocky start for the Kansas State Wildcats, as two projected starters on the offensive line have been ruled out for the year.
John Pastore, a projected starting left tackle, will miss the entire campaign after a lower‑leg injury sustained in practice, while Ohio State transfer George Fitzpatrick, expected to assume the same role, also remains sidelined following a preseason medical emergency.
The coaching staff now has a short window to evaluate three candidates — Oliver Miller, a freshman from Cherry Creek High School; Tyler Johnson, a senior with Auburn experience; and Ryan Howard, a junior brother of former Wildcats quarterback Will Howard — to determine who will protect quarterback Avery Johnson’s blindside.
The urgency is heightened by a Week 4 road test at Cincinnati on September 26, a non‑conference matchup that will serve as the first real gauge of the new line’s chemistry.
Beyond the immediate replacements, the Wildcats are also monitoring the health of other linemen, while the NCAA’s recent injunction has reinstated Brandon Sneh, a former Wildcat who was previously ineligible at Mississippi State, adding another layer of depth to the roster.
The Race to Fill the Left Tackle Spot
Coaches and analysts alike have highlighted Oliver Miller as the early frontrunner, citing his size, footwork and preseason buzz, though Tyler Johnson’s extensive snap count and Ryan Howard’s unexpected upside keep the competition open.
Regardless of who ultimately earns the starting nod, the decision will have immediate implications for the Wildcats’ offensive rhythm and the protection of Avery Johnson, whose development hinges on a stable pocket.