As Kansas State ramps up preseason camp with Big 12 title hopes in sight, the team’s focus also includes the recovery of projected starting left tackle George Fitzpatrick.
Head coach Chris Klieman addressed the media Monday inside the Vanier Family Football Complex after the Wildcats wrapped their first full week of camp.
The 6-foot-6, 309-pound Fitzpatrick transferred from Ohio State this offseason and was named as the likely starting left tackle during Big 12 Media Days.
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“He’s doing much better,” Klieman said. “He’s back in Manhattan and has been in the facility a few times. It’s really day-to-day with George. We don’t have a timetable, but he’s improving. That’s all I can share for now.”
Fitzpatrick played in all 16 games for the 2024 national champion Buckeyes, logging 84 snaps and contributing on special teams. His busiest game came against Western Michigan, where he played 22 snaps. Now, he reunites with former OSU teammate and current K-State linebacker Gabe Powers.
The timing of Fitzpatrick’s health scare adds to K-State’s offensive line rebuild. The Wildcats lost both starting tackles — Easton Kilty (NFL Draft) and Carver Willis (transfer to Washington).
Fortunately, the interior line returns experienced players like center Sam Hecht and guard Taylor Poitier. Versatile Andrew Leingang and transfers Amos Talalele (Cal), Terrence Enos (Michigan State), and J.B. Nelson (Penn State) add depth. Redshirt freshmen John Pastore and Gus Hawkins are also in the mix.
The Wildcats are gaining national attention, 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 in the Big 12.
Quarterback Avery Johnson is back after a breakout 2024 season, supported by dynamic playmakers Dylan Edwards, Joe Jackson, and Jayce Brown.
On defense, veterans Austin Romaine and V.J. Payne anchor a unit loaded with experience.
After finishing 9–4 last season, capped by a thrilling 44–41 bowl win over Rutgers, the Wildcats enter 2025 with Big 12 title aspirations and College Football Playoff hopes.
With training camp in full swing, K-State continues to monitor Fitzpatrick’s progress while pushing forward as a team.
K-State opens the 2025 season Saturday, Aug. 23, against rival Iowa State in Dublin, Ireland.