One year ago, George Fitzpatrick was a backup at Ohio State. Now, he’s protecting the blind side in Manhattan — and leading Kansas State’s rebuilt offensive line.
Head coach Chris Klieman said at Big 12 Media Days that Fitzpatrick currently sits atop the depth chart at left tackle. The 6-foot-6, 309-pound junior transferred to K-State this offseason after helping the Buckeyes win the national championship.
Chris Klieman says that George Fitzpatrick has risen to the top of the depth chart at left tackle
— Mason Voth (@TheRealMasonV) July 8, 2025
Fitzpatrick played in all 16 games for Ohio State last season, logging 84 offensive snaps and appearing on field goal and extra point protection units. He posted a career-high 22 snaps against Western Michigan and reunites at K-State with former Buckeye teammate and current Wildcat linebacker Gabe Powers.
“I’m super excited,” Fitzpatrick told K-StateSports.com in February. “I know there’s a lot I need to work on and a lot to develop, and I’m excited about the opportunity.”
Fitzpatrick isn’t the only former Buckeye making headlines in Manhattan. Will Howard, the longtime K-State quarterback who transferred to Ohio State last year, publicly praised the program after his breakout season in Columbus.
Kansas State is retooling its offensive line after losing both starting tackles from 2024. Easton Kilty entered the NFL Draft, while Carver Willis transferred to Washington.
The interior returns experience, led by center Sam Hecht and veteran guard Taylor Poitier. Andrew Leingang brings starting experience at multiple spots, and the Wildcats added key depth via transfers Amos Talalele (Cal), Terrence Enos (Michigan State), and J.B. Nelson (Penn State). Redshirt freshmen John Pastore and Gus Hawkins will also compete for snaps.
At quarterback, Avery Johnson returns after a breakout 2024 season and has a loaded group of weapons around him. Speedsters Dylan Edwards, Joe Jackson, and Jayce Brown headline a versatile, explosive skill group. On defense, veterans Austin Romaine and V.J. Payne provide leadership for a unit with experience across the board.
The national hype is building. The Wildcats are ranked No. 12 in USA Today’s preseason Top 25, No. 16 in Joel Klatt’s post-spring rankings, and No. 21 in ESPN’s Football Power Index — the highest mark among Big 12 teams.
K-State opens the season Saturday, Aug. 23, against Iowa State in Dublin. After finishing 9–4 in 2024 (5–4 Big 12) and winning a wild 44–41 bowl game over Rutgers, the Wildcats enter 2025 with Big 12 championship aspirations — and a roster capable of making noise in the College Football Playoff race.