Kansas State OL George Fitzpatrick not expected to be available Week 0

Kansas State offensive lineman George Fitzpatrick is not expected to be available for the Wildcats’ Week 0 season opener against Iowa State, a source tells On3. The Ohio State transfer went through a serious medical situation this month that sidelined him.

Fitzpatrick has since rejoined the team and returned to Manhattan. No clear timetable has been set for a return for Kansas State’s projected left tackle, but he is not expected to be available when the Wildcats travel to Ireland for their Week 0 matchup with Iowa State. K-State opens the season in less than 25 days.

“He’s doing much better,” Kansas State head coach Chris Klieman told reporters earlier this week. “He’s back in Manhattan, he’s been to the facility a handful of times, and really it’s just a day-by-day basis with George. We don’t really have a timetable, but he’s doing a lot better.”

The program previously released a statement on Fitzpatrick’s status on July 21.

“George had a medical situation to which the training staff quickly responded,” Kansas State said in the statement. “He is improving every day and we appreciate all who have cared for and supported him as he continues to recover.”

A former four-star recruit, Fitzpatrick transferred to Kansas State in January after three seasons at Ohio State. The junior played in all 16 games in 2024 as a reserve offensive lineman, helping the Buckeyes win the national championship. The 6-foot-6, 309-pound offensive lineman has two years of eligibility remaining.

George Fitzpatrick was a top portal target for K-State this winter, choosing the Wildcats and providing a boost to offensive line depth. He impressed in spring practice and was on track to start Week 0.

“My own personal role is I want to be a leader,” Fitzpatrick previously said about why he picked Kansas State in the transfer portal. “I’ve seen what it takes to go to a national championship, and I think we have the chance to do it here. I want to lead the young guys, and I want to prove myself to the older guys and go from there.”