Kansas State’s Offensive Line Faces Crucial Crossroads in 2026
A look at the key players, positional battles and medical uncertainties that will define Kansas State’s attack heading into the upcoming season
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning George Fitzpatrick across Football.
A look at the key players, positional battles and medical uncertainties that will define Kansas State’s attack heading into the upcoming season
After the first week of fall camp, the Wildcats are seeing new roles for backup quarterbacks, freshman linemen and top receivers, while key players remain sidelined by injury.
A preseason medical emergency sidelined Kansas State’s veteran lineman George Fitzpatrick for the entire 2025 campaign, reshaping the offensive line and giving emerging players like John Pastore, Gus Hawkins, Oliver Miller and Tyler Johnson increased snaps.
The Wildcats’ 2026 campaign hinges on quarterback Avery Johnson’s resurgence, the emergence of tight end Linkon Cure, and a defensive overhaul led by transfers and newcomers, all orchestrated by first‑time head coach Collin Klein.
The Wildcats are poised for a pivotal 2026 campaign, with quarterback Avery Johnson, tight end Linkon Cure, and a revamped defense led by newcomers like Elijah Hill and transfer Wendell Gregory.
As the Wildcats enter preseason camp, coaches and players are locked in battles across the offensive line, quarterback, receiver corps and defense, setting the stage for the September 5 showdown with Nicholls.
With 50 days until kickoff, head coach Collin Klein makes his debut, Avery Johnson's potential looms large, and the Wildcats confront a schedule that could shape a Big 12 title run.
Collin Klein made his first appearance as Kansas State's head coach at Big 12 Media Days in Frisco, Texas, where he discussed offensive strategy, player health and the impact of new NCAA eligibility rules on quarterback Avery Johnson.

Collin Klein, a 2012 Heisman Trophy finalist and longtime Kansas State assistant, is now the head coach tasked with revitalizing the Wildcats after a 6‑6 season.
With exactly 100 days remaining until the Wildcats face Nicholls, Kansas State’s coaching staff has released a ranked list of the 100 most influential players, highlighting returning starters, emerging talent, and special‑teams contributors.
Kansas State coaches spotlight key players — from Elijah Hill’s pass‑rush potential to Avery Johnson’s backup battle — as the team fine‑tunes its roster ahead of the fall.